Ross Barkley

[Tayls_7]

He certainly acquitted himself well at Luton where their performances we only marginally higher than our current level.

[Dave]

Given that he appears to be fit and training based on that picture, it's curious that he was the player left out of the European squad.

Speculation at the start of the month was that he was left out because he was miles away from being fit so there was no point including him.

[TheToffnar]

I think it's more to do with the fact it was a 'personal' issue. No point pressuring the lad to come back in that case, just give him the space and support to deal with it until he's ready.

[eamonn]

He can come back in for the knock-outs if he has a good autumn  can't he?

[Drummond]

If we need him.

[Brazilian Villain]

If we need him.

Depends who we sign in Jan.

[Somniloquism]

Given that he appears to be fit and training based on that picture, it's curious that he was the player left out of the European squad.

Speculation at the start of the month was that he was left out because he was miles away from being fit so there was no point including him.

Well if he has only just started to train now, he is at least another month away from being considered ready.

[SoccerHQ]

Given that he appears to be fit and training based on that picture, it's curious that he was the player left out of the European squad.

Speculation at the start of the month was that he was left out because he was miles away from being fit so there was no point including him.

At the time he was left out we had all of Kamara, Tielemans, McGinn and Onana fit. Bogarde playing regularly in midfield also so far.

So a more logical player to leave out than say Garcia given our lack of depth on the right side of defence or Malen again which wouldn't go down well.

[Somniloquism]

Good to see him get some gametime. Did a nice break which lead to Digne's chance as well. Just need Tielemans back now to be full strength in midfield.

[chrisw1]

I still rate him.  He's level-headed and does a good job helping to see out games.  It would just be nice if he could stay fit and available for an extended period.  Getting injured when both Kamara and Onana were out was a real kick in the balls for him (and us)

Considering what a crucial role he played at Luton, coming back to us was a really poor move for him.  Much as he can be useful, he's now probably 6th choice to play centre mid for us.

[RamboandBruno]

I still rate him.  He's level-headed and does a good job helping to see out games.  It would just be nice if he could stay fit and available for an extended period.  Getting injured when both Kamara and Onana were out was a real kick in the balls for him (and us)

Considering what a crucial role he played at Luton, coming back to us was a really poor move for him.  Much as he can be useful, he's now probably 6th choice to play centre mid for us.

I think he did well yesterday in his cameo considering how long he’s been out.
He would of been too good for the championship with Luton, maybe he would of got more game time at a mid table or lower premier league side, a West Ham maybe. Although he got champions league minutes for us and scored some important goals in that and the league, so he might bot necessarily see it as a bad move.

[eamonn]

He probably thought post-Luton that he was playing his best football in years and Emery would help him get back to an even higher level. Might even have harboured international call-up aspirations.

[dcdavecollett]

...and soon the pressure for places will increase as the highly-talented George Hemmings comes through.

[nordenvillain]

I still rate him.  He's level-headed and does a good job helping to see out games.  It would just be nice if he could stay fit and available for an extended period.  Getting injured when both Kamara and Onana were out was a real kick in the balls for him (and us)

Considering what a crucial role he played at Luton, coming back to us was a really poor move for him.  Much as he can be useful, he's now probably 6th choice to play centre mid for us.

Didn't Unai say that he wasn't injured but had a personal  issue that he was being allowed to deal with away from the club ?

[Mister E]

...and soon the pressure for places will increase as the highly-talented George Hemmings comes through.

... is absolutely the right answer. Hemmings, Borland and Kone are all playing towards a first-team squad MF slot.
Tommi O'Reilly, on loan, also plays MF; got an assist vs Harrogate Town last night.