What's going on with Ross Barkley at the moment?Let's be honest, it's a pretty difficult question. Barkley has been plagued with injuries in his recent career with his 124 day spell on the sidelines during 2017 ultimately delaying the Chelsea move he went onto secure in January.Fast forward two months and Barkley is still struggling with injuries and hasn't pulled on the famous blue jersey since the 3-0 thrashing against Bournemouth in late January.Having not completed 90 minutes in west London and with just one start in the bank, fitness problems struck again with the same hamstring crock coming back to haunt him.Collecting the knock during a training session, Barkley sparked great debate over what had already proven a divisive transfer.
Barkley plagued by fitness issues at Chelsea
Fitness problems aside, many Chelsea fans and pundits alike wondered whether Barkley would get the game-time he deserves at Stamford Bridge and whether Antonio Conte actually wanted him at the club.
The 24-year-old is already 57 days into his time out of action and there are genuine concerns that he won't be able to make it back into the Chelsea frame when he returns.
The discussion surrounding Barkley at the moment was sparked on Saturday afternoon with Chelsea fans spotting that he was deployed in the club's development squad for a game with Derby County at St. George's Park.
Barkley was substituted in a development game v Derby
Moreover, he was substituted after 60 minutes as a precautionary move.
It created quite the reaction from Chelsea fans, the majority of which felt sad that a player they thought would be in World Cup contention is battling for fitness in the youth squads. Take a look at the reaction below:
Injuries, simply put, can ruin careers at the top level and supporters will be hoping his progression through the development squad will be the perfect way to return him to fitness and the first-team.
The last thing Chelsea want is Barkley being rushed back into the senior side and picking up yet another knock.
Even when the ex-Everton man feels ready for a comeback, there's no guarantee he will walk back into the team and especially not if there's a managerial switch.
The player himself certainly wouldn't have imagined leaving Goodison Parker to rub shoulders with players seven years his junior and hours on the treatment table.
Get well soon, Ross.
Do you think Barkley will make it at Chelsea? Have your say in the comments section below.