Gregg Evans of The Athletic reported that Aston Villa will fulfil tonight’s FA Cup meeting with Liverpool by using players from the under-23s and academy after Dean Smith and the entire first team were forced to isolate following a virus outbreak which caused Bodymoor Heath to close.
Carney Chukwuemeka, Aaron Ramsey, Tyreik Wright and Lamare Bogarde are among those expected to feature against Liverpool, and Louie Barry may be included too. The 17-year-old has impressed in Villa’s academy and trained with the first team previously, so his future looks bright in the Midlands.
Barry has scored seven goals in 11 matches for the under-23 side and Birmingham Live journalist Ashley Preece dubbed him an ‘academy star’ in recent months, so he would come into the first team with plenty of promise.
Villa chief executive Christian Purslow confirmed to Sky Sports (via Villa Report) that 10 first team players were among the 14 to test positive for Covid, so the Claret and Blues are down to the bare bones in terms of team selection.
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Tonight could be a momentous occasion for boyhood Villa fan Barry, who came to the club from the famed Barcelona academy.
Endorsed as a “bright young kid” by first team manager Smith, the 17-year-old’s potential debut against Liverpool could be a source of excitement for many a Villa supporter as they get to see what he can do on the senior stage.
