Chelsea arrange friendly to get Ross Barkley up to speed

Ross Barkley of Chelsea is introduced to the Chelsea fans at half time during the Carabao Cup Semi-Final First Leg 
Ross Barkley will play on a behind closed doors friendly after being ruled out of the FA Cup replay against Norwich because he signed too late to be eligible Credit: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Chelsea have arranged a friendly especially for Ross Barkley after Antonio Conte was forced to re-think his plans to give him his debut against Norwich City.

Conte had pencilled Barkley in to make his first appearance of the season against Norwich in the FA Cup third-round replay on Wednesday night.

But the head coach was informed on Sunday that midfielder Barkley cannot face Norwich because he was not signed from Everton in time to play in the initial tie.

Barkley’s £15 million transfer was completed after the midday cut-off point on the day before Chelsea’s third-round trip to Norwich, which they drew to force a replay at Stamford Bridge.

Conte is so keen to have Barkley available that Chelsea will now play a training ground friendly this week to prepare the 24-year-old to make his first-team debut.

Asked on Tuesday when he found out Barkley could not face Norwich, Conte said: “Two days ago. Carlo Cudicini [club ambassador and assistant to the manager] informed me about this new situation. Two days ago I was sure Ross Barkley could play against Norwich. To start? No. But, for sure, to play a part of the game.

“Now we are preparing a friendly game for him during this week and then we will see his physical condition. But I'm very happy for his commitment and physical condition. He could be ready for the next game [against Brighton], or for the game after that.”

Barkley’s switch to Chelsea prompted the mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, to ask the police, Football Association and Premier League to investigate an alleged ‘fraud’.

But Merseyside police have now informed Anderson, the FA and the Premier League that they have no evidence of any crime.

License this content