Stockport County have received the news they were dreading following confirmation that star attacker Louie Barry has been ruled out for four months with a hamstring injury, according to the BBC.
The 20-year-old picked up the injury during the 2-0 win over Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday night, with subsequent scans confirming that he had torn his hamstring. It was a major blow for the League Two leaders, with the Aston Villa loanee having already notched nine goals since arriving in the summer.
Having scored in seven successive games between August and September, the youngster picked up League Two’s Player of the Month as the Hatters stormed to the top of the table. Tuesday’s victory was their tenth in a row in all competitions and – alongside striker Isaac Olaofe – Barry’s goals had seen them recover from a slow start which saw them win just one of their opening six fixtures.
Birmingham Live reported yesterday that the former Barcelona youngster would require surgery to fix the hamstring issue which would see him miss several months, but the BBC have now put that figure at four. Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, manager Dave Challinor revealed the blow, saying; “It’s gutting for him because of the run he’s been on.”
Taking to Twitter/X, the forward confirmed the news, vowing to come back stronger. In a post, he said;
“The highs and lows of football. Absolutely gutted to have picked up a hamstring injury which will require surgery. I’ll be supporting the lads throughout. I’ll be back stronger than ever.”
The highs and lows of football. Absolutely gutted to have picked up a hamstring injury which will require surgery. I’ll be supporting the lads throughout💙. I’ll be back stronger than ever🙌 pic.twitter.com/W4eXG5eIYz
— Louie Barry (@LouieBarry6) October 27, 2023
Stockport are looking to strengthen their position at the top of the table tomorrow when they take on struggling Tranmere Rovers at Edgeley Park, whilst second and third meet in a huge clash between Notts County and Wrexham.
Writer’s View
It’s a devastating blow for both the player and the club. Barry was enjoying his most lucrative season to date of his young career and he will be hoping that he can recover quickly to join up with the squad as soon as possible.
Four months still means he should return for the season run-in, which could prove to be pivotal as Stockport look to go one better than last season and earn promotion to League One. Dave Challinor’s side should still be able to cope in his absence, with Olaofe having hit the net 10 times already.