Transfer insider Dean Jones fears for Ross Barkley's future after being frozen out of the Chelsea squad by head coach Thomas Tuchel.

What's the latest news involving Barkley?

Barkley spent last season on loan at Chelsea's Premier League rivals Aston Villa, where he was restricted to 24 appearances due to a hamstring injury and loss of form.

Barkley has returned to Stamford Bridge after Villa boss Dean Smith admitted a permanent switch to Villa Park had not even been discussed.

The 27-year-old is back at Chelsea with a new boss in charge as Tuchel was appointed as the club's head coach following Frank Lampard's sacking in January.

But Barkley clearly does not feature in the German's plans as he has not even been given a squad number for the season.

The central midfielder, whose £96,154-per-week contract still has just shy of two years to run, attracted interest from West Ham United, former club Everton and Newcastle United during the transfer window but none of the clubs placed a bid for the England international's services.

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What has Dean Jones said about Barkley?

Barkley, who is valued at £18million by Transfermarkt, is not the only Chelsea midfielder to have found his opportunities limited since the arrival of Tuchel as Ruben Loftus-Cheek has also failed to make an appearance this season.

West Ham United even turned down the opportunity to sign Loftus-Cheek on deadline day.

While transfer insider Jones admits both players desperately need to leave west London when the transfer window reopens in January, he is unsure as to where Barkley could end up.

He told GMS: "It's really tough but both need a new lease of life. I think I worry about him [Barkley] the most.

"I don't know where he fits or who is going to take that chance."

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How has it gone so wrong for Barkley?

Barkley headed to Stamford Bridge in a £15million switch from Everton three-and-a-half years ago.

The move came a matter of months after Barkley pushed for a transfer away from Goodison Park as he looked to nail down a regular spot in England's midfield.

However, Barkley has gone on to make just 86 appearances for his current employers, scoring 11 goals and grabbing as many assists in the process.

Barkley has yet to be named in a matchday squad for the first-team this season and was made to contend with action in a friendly against non-league Weymouth on what was the opening weekend of the Premier League season.