Ross Barkley
AVL
Center Midfielder
Attacking Midfielder
Box-to-Box
Dec 5, 1993 (32)
Right
6'2"
168 lb
Scores opener Wednesday
Barkley scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Wednesday's 3-1 win versus Viking FK.
Analysis: Barkley continued his strong run in Europe with the opener in Wednesday's 3-1 win over Viking, heading in an Ibrahim Mbaye corner. The midfielder now has three goals in the Champions League this season, which puts him level with Nicolas Jackson as Villa's top scorer in the competition. The Englishman's role is still limited to Europe, however, since Joao Gomes and Boubacar Kamara remain the preferred double pivot in the Premier League.
Available from bench
Barkley (undisclosed) is on the bench for Saturday's match against Newcastle United.
Analysis: Barkley was forced off late against Fenerbahce after an impressive performance, having recorded two goals and one assist. His inclusion in the squad suggests the discomfort is not severe enough to rule him out
Facing late fitness check
Barkley (undisclosed) is questionable for Saturday's Premier League clash against Newcastle United after experiencing discomfort during Wednesday's 6-0 Champions League win over Fenerbahce, according to coach Unai Emery, per John Townley of Birmingham Live. "Ross we will see this afternoon. He played 85 minutes and had some pain. We will check this afternoon."
Analysis: Barkley delivered an outstanding performance against Fenerbahce, recording two goals and one assist before being withdrawn late in Wednesday's Champions League contest due to discomfort. The midfielder registered three shots, including two on target, created two chances and completed 39 passes across approximately 83 minutes, playing a major role in Aston Villa's dominant victory. However, the physical issue that emerged during the match has raised concerns about his availability for Saturday's trip to Newcastle. Manager Emery confirmed that Barkley will undergo further assessment Friday before a decision is made on his involvement. The midfielder had returned to the starting lineup alongside Boubacar Kamara, replacing Joao Gomes, but his potential absence could open the door for Gomes to reclaim a starting role. Barkley's availability remains uncertain pending the results of his latest evaluation.
Three goal contributions in victory
Barkley scored two goals and assisted once from three shots and two chances created in Wednesday's 6-0 win over Fenerbahce.
Analysis: Barkley scored twice and added one assist across 83 minutes in Wednesday's 6-0 Champions League win over Fenerbahce. He recorded three shots, putting two on target, while creating two chances and completing 39 passes as he played a major role in Villa's dominant attacking display. The three goal contributions marked an outstanding individual performance from the midfielder before he was withdrawn late in the rout.
Four tackles in defeat
Barkley generated one shot (one on goal) in Saturday's 2-1 loss versus Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Barkley registered one shot on goal and four tackles (one won) across 63 minutes before being replaced by Johan Manzambi as Villa chased the game following Liam Delap's opener, the midfielder's effort from inside the area the closest Villa came to scoring before Alysson's equalizer. He was Villa's most direct central player before his withdrawal and manager Emery looked for greater directness with the change. Barkley has started all of Villa's four Premier League fixtures this season, contributing seven shots and six chances created without finding a goal contribution yet.
Four shots in draw
Barkley registered four shots (zero on goal) and two chances created in Saturday's 0-0 draw versus Hull City.
Analysis: Barkley is still filling the gap left by the suspended Joao Gomes and he carried most of Villa's threat at Hull. The midfielder took four shots, the best of them a big chance that he could not convert, and he set up two shots for team mates for the third game in a row. With Gomes due back after the next fixture, he may have just one more opportunity to make his case before a likely move to the bench.
Set for increased role
Barkley recorded one shot (zero on goal) and one corner in Sunday's 4-0 loss versus Brighton.
Analysis: Barkley registered one shot and one corner across his 74 minutes in Sunday's 4-0 defeat at Brighton, unable to provide the midfield control Villa needed after Joao Gomes was sent off. The experienced midfielder is now expected to start alongside Boubacar Kamara in the double pivot against Arsenal after Gomes' red card suspension, giving Barkley the opportunity to stake a genuine claim for a more prominent role in coach Unai Emery's system after a cameo-heavy previous campaign.
Bags assist
Barkley assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Sunday's 2-1 victory against Manchester City.
Analysis: Barkley started in the season finale after a bench spot in his last outing, with the midfielder playing 86 minutes. He would also link up with Ollie Watkins in the 61st minute for a goal that would eventually be the game-winner. The veteran continues to produce at the professional level, even with limited time, recording three goals and one assist in 21 appearances (seven starts) this season.
Scores in Sunday's draw
Barkley scored one goal to go with four shots (two on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Burnley.
Analysis: Barkley scored a header in the 42nd minute Sunday, a goal assisted by John McGinn which tied the match heading into halftime. It marked Barkley's third goal of the season, his first since March 15. He finished the match with a season-high four shots before he was subbed off in the 80th minute for Douglas Luiz.
Scores 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.
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