There was a welcome return to Chelsea training for Ross Barkley on Tuesday.
However, it seems that he will miss the Valencia game.
Chelsea ace Ross Barkley may have some questions to answer this week after photos emerged of him topless in a Dubai nightclub over the international break. The 25-year-old has been a key part of Frank Lampard’s plans so far this season as he’s made nine appearances across all competitions.
However, he has been sidelined by an ankle injury in recent weeks and with several of Chelsea’s youngsters impressing this season as well as some of the more senior stars, it remains to be seen whether or not he will be able to claim a starting berth when he returns.
This probably won’t help his cause though, as the Daily Mail report how the England international was seen dancing topless in a Dubai nightclub over the international break. It is worth noting that the report adds that Barkley was not misbehaving and was simply just having a good time, and so from that perspective it could be argued that he should not need to face scrutiny.
Nevertheless, according to the Evening Standard, Lampard was not impressed with what he saw, so he is considering leaving out Barkley for Chelsea’s Champions League trip to Valencia amid concerns over his behavior and fitness. The Blues boss has already played down an incident with the 26-year-old midfielder this season, and so he surely will not be too happy about having to defend him again and speaking about his antics off the pitch when he simply will want to focus on what he can offer on it.
Chelsea take on Valencia on Wednesday at Mestalla knowing a win will secure their place in the last 16. Frank Lampard’s side are second in Group H after four matches, level on seven points with first-place Ajax and Valencia in third.
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