Antonio Conte hopes to help Ross Barkley claim a place in England’s World Cup squad.

Barkley signed for Chelsea from Everton on Friday for a cut-price fee in the region of £15million as his Toffees contract was due to expire this summer.

The 24-year-old has not played since May due to a hamstring injury which required surgery.

Conte does not know when Barkley will return, but Chelsea’s Italian head coach hopes the midfielder can make Gareth Southgate’s Russia 2018 squad.

“We have five months to show he deserves a call with the national team for the World Cup,” Conte said.

“I hope (he gets one), because it means he will do very well with us.”

Barkley trained at Chelsea’s Cobham base this weekend and is due to meet with Conte for the first time on Monday.

The Blues boss is reluctant to put a timescale on when Barkley will be available before first assessing him.

“It’s important for me to see him, to understand his physical condition,” Conte added.

“My hope is to have this player (available) very quickly.”

Conte spoke of Barkley’s versatility, but insisted it was important the Everton academy graduate understands his role tactically before he is selected.

“He can play in midfield, if we play with three midfielders, or number 10 if we play 3-4-3,” Conte added.

“Before playing we must be sure that he is into our idea of football. Otherwise it’s a problem for him and it’s a problem for the rest of the team.”

Barkley will have some stiff competition to get into the England team this summer, however, with Gareth Southgate having plenty of options in the middle of the park.

The likes of Jordan Henderson, Eric Dier, Adam Lallana, Dele Alli, and Jack Wilshere will all be vying for midfield spots come Russia.