The left-sided midfield player had been optimistic of returning to the side for the Premiership game at Everton on October 30 following Lauren's scything tackle against Arsenal last weekend. But Barry saw another specialist yesterday who revealed the former England under-21 captain will be sidelined for a minimum of six to eight weeks.
Barry had forgiven the Cameroonian defender for his bad challenge, though it is not sure if he remains as charitable now he has learned of the extent of his injury. Villa manager David O'Leary is certainly less magnanimous, and is now down to the bare bones in midfield and Thomas Hitzlsperger or, more probably, youngster Peter Whittingham are set for an extended run in Barry's role on the left flank.
"It's a blow," the Irish manager said, "and Peter Whittingham will now get an opportunity. He came into the side in the first half of last season but then faded towards the end. We are hoping he will come and play now like he did when he first came into the side."
Barry has been well shy of his best this season, but his loss is a major blow for a side with one of the smallest squads in the Premiership, as O'Leary is loath to admit.