Unai Emery says Ross Barkley could be out for up to three weeks after the Aston Villa midfielder picked up a calf injury in Friday’s FA Cup victory over West Ham United.
The 31-year-old was replaced by Amadou Onana in the 23rd minute at Villa Park following the injury.
Villa manager Emery said: “Ross Barkley, yes he had a small injury in his calf and hopefully not a lot. Tomorrow we will check him, normally this is two or three weeks out.”
Barkley missed five games with a hamstring injury from September to October but started Villa’s last match against Leicester City, scoring the opening goal in the victory.
He has made 23 appearances in all competitions this season and has been a valuable contributor since returning to Villa for the second time after a £5million summer move from Luton Town.
Fellow midfielder John McGinn picked up a hamstring injury in the Leicester game which is set to keep him out for a number of weeks and leave Emery short of midfield options.
Other central midfielder Emery has at his disposal include Amadou Onana, Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans.
Villa progressed into the FA Cup fourth round after a 2-1 victory over West Ham.
Villa’s upcoming fixtures are trips to Everton and Arsenal in the Premier League before they visit Monaco in the Champions League.
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