Everton star Ross Barkley reveals huge 10-inch scar left by hamstring surgery and confirms it is 'not long now' before he makes first-team return

Everton midfielder Ross Barkley has revealed the huge 10-inch scar that has been left on the underside of his thigh following surgery on a ruptured hamstring.

The 24-year-old is yet to play for the Toffees this season after suffering the serious affliction in the build up to their first Premier League game, but it appears he may be nearing a return.

Barkley posted a photo of his scar along with the words 'not long now', suggesting he will be available for selection under new manager Sam Allardyce sooner rather than later.

Ross Barkley hints at an imminent return to action in this picture of his scarred left hamstring

Ross Barkley hints at an imminent return to action in this picture of his scarred left hamstring

Much has changed at Goodison Park since Barkley injured his hamstring. He was on the verge of leaving after a fallout with Ronald Koeman and and even turned down a deadline day move to Chelsea in order to focus on his rehabilitation.


But a disastrous start to the season saw the Dutchman sacked and replaced by Allardyce, offering Barkley the chance for a fresh start at his boyhood club.

He is expected to make his return to action in the next two weeks, but there is every chance he may not play for Everton again with Chelsea and Tottenham both ready to renew their interest in the January transfer window.

Barkley is back in first-team training and could make his playing return in the next two weeks

Barkley is back in first-team training and could make his playing return in the next two weeks

Although Allardyce may be willing to offer Barkley a reprieve, the player himself still has a decision to make on his future as he enters the final six months of his contract next month.

Gylfi Sigurdsson was signed as a replacement for the England international and the presence of Wayne Rooney may also limit Barkley's playing opportunities.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are searching for ways to boost their squad in mid-season and will make contact to find out what it might take to get him interested in a move to west London.

Antonio Conte's tactical switch towards a five-man midfield would offer more opportunities for a player of Barkley's style and ease the workload on Cesc Fabregas.

His contract is up in the summer and Allardyce said he does not want to see him leave for free

The Everton midfielder is out of contract in the summer and seems likely to leave the Toffees

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