Luton star Ross Barkley was left covered in blood after a serious injury but still manages to play on.

Ross Barkley suffered a suspected broken nose in Luton's away clash at Crystal Palace, leaving him a bloody mess.

The incident occurred in the sixth minute in Selhurst Park where Joel Ward accidentally punched the 30-year-old man in the face.

barkley He received a noise in the face when Ward attempted to clear a cross, which required medical attention.

Blood spilled down the former's face.Chelsea midfielder, who finally made his way to the sideline with cotton swabs in both nostrils.

He was eventually deemed fit enough to return to action, where he donned a jersey without numbers.

But just a minute after returning to the field of play, the hatters conceded thanks to a goal from Jean-Philippe Mateta in the 11th minute.

A poor back pass from Alfie Doughty was taken advantage of by Daniel Muñoz, who cut it out for the Frenchman to apply the clinical finish.

Despite Luton facing relegation to the Championship, Barkley has impressed after returning to Britain last summer.

After spending a year in France at Nice, the former Everton teacher moved to Kenilworth Road on a free transfer.

And after having contributed three goals and five assists in all competitions, there has been talk that he could return to Gareth SouthgateThe England team.

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talkSPORT pundit Jermaine Pennant has called out Barkley be selected ahead of Jordan Henderson and Kalvin Phillips.

He said: “I don't want to see Henderson there, I don't want to see Phillips.

“We know what they are. 'Yeah, put them on the team.' I'd rather see (Declan) Rice, Barkley and (Jude) Bellingham.”

Pennant added: “It's a friendly, if he comes in and produces the good stuff… they like that little defensive midfielder and I think he's the best we've been seeing so far.”

“He's been incredible for Luton, better than Henderson, better than Phillips. Rice, Barkley, Bellingham.”

The former Liverpool player continued: “If you're talking about (Kobbie) Mainoo coming, why not Ross Barkley?

“He has played the whole season now or almost and he has had a great performance, he has been fantastic.

“I'm not saying Barkley plays instead of (Phil) Foden, Foden will be in that team too.

“But we know that Gareth Southgate likes two defensive-minded players.

“So, along with Rice, I say Ross Barkley would be a great choice, rather than Kalvin Phillips or Jordan Henderson.”