Ross Barkley
AVLEngland
Right
Dec 5, 1993
32
6'2"
168 lb
CM
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Deep-Lying Playmaker
VillaScores in loss
Barkley scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Sunday's 3-1 loss to Manchester United.
Analysis: Barkley got onto the score sheet for the first time in EPL play since November but it didn't matter much in Aston Villa's 3-1 loss. The midfielder will try to parlay that into another goal in the second leg of the Round of 16 UEL game against Lille, a side which has conceded 33 goals in 26 Ligue 1 games.
Back in team sheet
Barkley (knee) is on the bench for Sunday's match against Brentford.
Analysis: Barkley was back in training this week, and after some further testing, the midfielder has been picked for the bench. He is back after two months out, likely to stick to more of a depth role moving forward.
Trains, possibility Sunday
Barkley (knee) has trained with his teammates and could be in the squad Sunday to face Brentford, according to manager Unai Emery. "Ross Barkley is coming back, training with us. Today, normal training with the group, and maybe we can include him in the squad."
Analysis: Barkley is going to be facing some testing ahead of Sunday's match, with a fitness test set to decide if he can play after around two months out due to a knee injury. Even if the midfielder is fit, he is likely to only receive a spot on the bench, as he mainly serves as a depth option, yet to start in his eight appearances.
Nearing return
Barkley (knee) is nearing a return to action and has been training individually, according to manager Unai Emery. "Ross Barkley is coming back in a few days. He has been training individually but he's so close to joining us."
Analysis: Barkley has been out for some time, last playing over a month ago due to a knee injury. However, after training recenelty and seeing a boost in health, the midfielder is now set to return in the next few games. This is solid news for the midfielder, but with only seven appearances for 115 minutes this season, he is set for a minor role, giving his club more depth.
Could train this week
Barkley (knee) could return to team training this week, coach Unai Emery said in the press conference. "Barkley is training individually, but close to being with the group, maybe next week."
Analysis: Barkley missed all the games since late November due to a knee injury but has progressed well in his individual trainings in recent weeks and could be set to resume team training with the Villains this week. This would be a nice boost for the midfield of Aston Villa given the absences due to injuries, although Barkley should regain the bench role he had prior to his injury.
Needs more time
Barkley (knee) is still in need of more time, according to manager Unai Emery. "[Ross] as well is ruled out. He is progressing very well. Ross will need maybe some more time."
Analysis: Barkley is going to remain out with his long-term knee injury, as the midfielder is not yet an option and still a few weeks away, pushing his return into February. The midfielder is yet to train since going down, appearing to need at least another two weeks before that comes. He hasn't played since the end of November, only a loss of depth for Villa.
Suffers long-term injury
Barkley (undisclosed) is out for the next two to three months due to a knee injury he suffered in Sunday's 1-0 win over Wolves, according to manager Unai Emery. "Ruled out as well is Ross , his injury is more than we expected. I don't know exactly, but maybe 8-10-12 weeks. Hopefully a little bit less."
Analysis: Barkley came off the bench for only a mere 13 minutes Sunday before exiting the field due to injury, a rough development for the midfielder as he could miss upwards of two months out due to the knee injury. Luckily for the club, this is a minor loss, as he has yet to earn a start all season, with all eight appearances coming from the bench. However, he has already missed eight games through injury this season, now unlikely to return until February.
Off after 13 minutes.
Barkley was forced off the field after 13 minutes of play due to an injury in Sunday's 1-0 win over Wolves.
Analysis: Barkley would come on the field as a substitute Sunday but would not last long, as the midfielder would only play 13 minutes before leaving the field. This is rough for the midfielder, as he already missed eight games to begin the campaign. However, this will be a minor loss for the team if he misses further time, yet to earn a start this campaign.
First goal of season from bench appearance
Barkley scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 4-0 win versus AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Barkley came on as a substitute Sunday after 71 minutes and headed home his first strike of the season, converting a near-post flick from a corner in the 77th minute. Other than the goal contribution his activity in the match was modest, he made two recoveries and won three of the five duels he engaged in. The veteran midfielder has made five appearances and no starts this season, it is likely he will continue to be used judiciously from the bench to try and make an impact in matches during their latter stages.
Features off bench
Barkley (personal) made his first appearance of the season as a substitute in Sunday's 2-1 win against Burnley, confirming he is back fit and available for Aston Villa.
Analysis: Barkley missed the beginning of the season due to personal problems but is now fully available for Aston Villa after featuring six minutes in Sunday's win against the Clarets, contributing one shot and one clearance. The midfielder will, however, maintain the same role as last season and remain a bench option at best under coach Unai Emery.
Still unavailable
Barkley (personal) is out for Sunday's clash with Fulham, despite returning to the training grounds, per manager Unai Emery. "[Ross] Barkley is not available."
Analysis: Barkley has been out with a personal issue, and is now back at the training ground. It appears he's now getting up to fitness as he's still not ready for a place in the squad. Barkley has been a depth option when available, with just three starts since joining Aston Villa last season.
Returns to training grounds
Barkley (personal) was back in training Wednesday, according to John Townley of Birmingham Mail.
Analysis: Barkley has been out to begin the season as he deals with some personal issues, but looks to be in for a return soon after he was back in training. This is solid news for both parties, as he should rejoin the squad soon to earn his debut this campaign. He won't be available for UEL action, but could be an option when facing Fulham on Sunday.
Dealing with personal problem
Barkley is dealing with a personal problem and is not available for the time being, manager Unai Emery told media during Friday's pre-match press conference. "We have not available as well, [Ross] Barkley. He has a personal issue, and I think he will come back or he will be available soon, but not yet," Emery said.
Analysis: Emery didn't reveal the nature of the problem, but it doesn't seem as if the veteran midfielder will be close to returning to action in the near future. Barkley has yet to play for Villa this season, but he's not expected to have a large role in the squad even when he's fit and ready to return.
Not included on Europa League squad
Barkley (undisclosed) hasn't been included in Aston Villa's official list for the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League.
Analysis: Barkley won't be available to play for Villa in the European stage after being left out of the squad. His availability for the upcoming EPL contest, against Everton on Sep. 13, is also uncertain. The veteran midfielder has yet to play this season while dealing with an undisclosed injury.
Still sidelined
Barkley (undisclosed) is out for Sunday's match against Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Barkley is still not ready for his return and is left out again, remaining sidelined due to an injury. This is only a loss of depth for the club, as he isn't expected to be a starter, likely to be used as a veteran depth option.
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