Aston Villa midfielder Ross Barkley has provided crucial clarity regarding his contractual situation at the club while simultaneously delivering a much-needed update on his fitness status ahead of the weekend's Premier League fixture.
Contract Confusion Resolved
The former Everton and Chelsea player has directly addressed speculation circulating on social media regarding the length of his current deal with Aston Villa. Barkley joined the club from Luton Town during the summer transfer window of 2024, with initial reports presenting conflicting information about the contract's duration.
Some sources suggested the agreement spanned three years, while others indicated a two-year arrangement with an additional option for extension. This ambiguity led to recent claims from a Villa supporter account on social media platform X that Barkley's contract would expire at the conclusion of the current season.
The midfielder himself has now definitively put these rumours to rest with a straightforward response, stating simply: 'That's not true.' This direct intervention from the player provides welcome clarification for supporters concerned about his future at Villa Park.
Injury Struggles and Recovery Progress
Barkley's time at Aston Villa has been significantly hampered by fitness issues since his arrival from Luton Town. During his debut season with the club, the midfielder managed just three starting appearances in Premier League matches, with his opportunities remaining limited in the current campaign.
This term has seen Barkley feature only seven times as a substitute, with his last competitive appearance dating back to the victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the end of November. The extended absence has been attributed to a persistent knee injury that has kept him sidelined during a crucial period of the season.
Imminent Return to Action
In a positive development for manager Unai Emery, Barkley has confirmed that his recovery is progressing well and he is poised to rejoin first-team training imminently. Responding to another supporter inquiry within the same social media discussion, the midfielder revealed: 'Back training with the team Friday.'
This timeline positions Barkley perfectly for potential inclusion in the matchday squad for Aston Villa's upcoming Premier League encounter against Brentford at Villa Park on Sunday. His return comes at a particularly opportune moment for the Midlands club, who are currently experiencing significant midfield absences.
Timely Boost for Emery's Squad
The confirmation of Barkley's impending availability provides manager Unai Emery with a valuable reinforcement during a period of midfield depletion. Several key players including Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn, and Youri Tielemans are currently sidelined through injury, creating selection challenges in the centre of the park.
Barkley's experience and technical quality could prove instrumental as Aston Villa navigate this demanding phase of the season. His ability to contribute both defensively and in attacking transitions offers Emery additional tactical flexibility as the team seeks to maintain their competitive position in the Premier League table.
The midfielder's dual clarification regarding both his contractual status and fitness situation represents significant positive news for Aston Villa supporters, who will be eager to see the talented player finally establish himself as a consistent contributor following his challenging start to life at the club.
