Massive blow but its what we do now that counts.
The club would of known there was a chance this would happen so i would hope they are already making moves to replace Barnes. In an ideal world our own youngsters (Edwards or Leko) would step in but until the FA cup match they had not even made the bench let alone play, so i dont think will be an option.
To get a player similar to Barnes will be very difficult, they are out there and you just have to hope our scouts and recruitment know where! Barnes was the sort of player who would be 5/10 then produce something out of nothing and that makes him a 9/10, we havent had a player like that since Odemwingie.
Like i say those players are around but they are scare, i think we will go for a more consistent 7/10 type player but what you gain in some ways on Barnes, you lose in others.
No player is irreplaceable and we have enough players for this level already who should do a job and i think we would still make play offs anyway, however to go for automatic we do need a replacement.
I know some people are saying he may come back before the end of the window but it would be foolish to plan for that, if he did it would be a bonus.
Personally i think Puel will either play him near enough straight away, as Barnes is a leicester fan who is in form, its a chance for Puel to build some bridges with the fans who have started to turn, however if he doesnt play in there next couple of games i also wouldnt be surprised to see him loaned to a lower premier league club (i think if he plays for leicester he cant sign for another team due to the 2 teams a season rule?)
Its what happens now that counts, over to the board and recruitment team.......