Solihull Moors Confirm Return Of Long-Term Absentee

Solihull Moors have officially confirmed playmaker Joe Sbarra has returned to training for the first time in over six months, via social media posts on the club’s respective pages.

The 24-year-old has been a crucial part of Solihull Moors’ side over the last two seasons but is yet to train, let alone feature in a match so far this season following a heart issue.

Solihull Moors boss Andy Whing confirmed in a pre-season interview that the playmaker had been absent and hospitalized with a heart issue, similar to Coventry City’s Jamie Allen and Salford City’s Elliot Watt.

Sbarra’s last appearance for Solihull Moors arrived in March 2023, during a 1-1 draw against Oldham Athletic. He managed ten goals in 33 league games last season, whilst hitting 18 in 48 games the season prior.

The playmaker has been with Solihull Moors permanently since his 2020 switch from League One side Burton Albion and has also made his England ‘C’ team debut in the process of being at the National League side.

Solihull Moors travel to Scunthorpe United on Friday evening in the third round of the FA Trophy, before returning to league action with a match against Oldham Athletic next weekend.

The club enjoyed a 14-match unbeaten start to the season before slipping to a defeat against Aldershot Town. Andy Whing’s side have since had a mixed bag of results including two heavy defeats against both Southend United and Altrincham and currently sit fourth in the table, five points behind the top three.

Sbarra’s contract is due to expire in June 2024 although the National League side have a one-year option in their favour which they are extremely likely to trigger.

Writer’s View

Joe Sbarra is undoubtedly a fan favourite at Solihull Moors and has earned a reputation as one of the division’s most creative/influential footballers and his return will be a huge boost for Andy Whing’s side.

However, it is important to remain grounded in a situation like this as Sbarra needs time to get up to match speed before being thrown in at the deep end.