UK Edition
Ross Barkley named in Everton's Europa League squad despite uncertain future
Ross Barkley has been handed an olive branch of sorts by Ronald Koeman after being named in Everton’s Europa League squad, despite the continuing uncertainty over his future.
Everton accepted a £35 million from Chelsea for Barkley on transfer deadline day and the England midfielder appeared set to move to Stamford Bridge only to pull out of a deal at the eleventh hour.
The firm expectation is Barkley will still leave Goodison Park when the transfer window reopens in January, with Tottenham expected to challenge Chelsea for his signature.
But despite Barkley facing another couple of months on the sidelines after tearing a hamstring in training last month and Koeman warning that opportunities will be limited, the manager has still taken the decision to include the 23-year-old in his Europa League squad.
With so many matches to play before Christmas, it remains to be seen whether Koeman opts to turn to Barkley at some point should he return from injury before then, although it is unlikely the player or the club will take any chances with his fitness with a parting of ways seemingly inevitable.
Barkley refused to sign a new contract with Everton at the end of last season and Koeman has indicated the club’s willingness to sell rather than lose the player for nothing next summer when his contract expires. Spurs are thought to remain the player’s preference.
Barkley took to social media last week to deny claims by Farhad Moshiri, Everton’s majority shareholder, that he turned down Chelsea after completing a medical.
“Contrary to a number of reports in the press, I did not undertake a medical with any club at any point,” he said. “I simply decided that due to my injury, it would be best to make a decision on my future and assess all my options in January when fully fit.”
As well as Barkley, Everton right back Seamus Coleman, who is still recovering from a broken leg, has also been included in the Europa League squad.