Barkley back in Chelsea’s squad for City game

Ross Barkley is back in the Chelsea squad for Sunday’s game at Manchester City but Tiemoue Bakayoko and David Luiz are still unavailable and Ethan Ampadu is now sidelined as well.

Ampadu is nursing an injury but Barkley, who has not featured since the end of January, has returned to training.

Blues boss Antonio Conte indicated on Friday afternoon that Barkley could be among Chelsea’s substitutes at the Etihad Stadium.

“Ross Barkley this week trained with us and now he has recovered from his injury,” Conte said.

“He will come with us for Manchester City. Then I don’t know if I will decide for him to find a place on the bench or to wait.”

Barkley, signed from Everton during the January transfer window, had hamstring surgery last year and had not played this season prior to his move to west London.

He has made three appearances for the Blues, the most recent coming in the 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth.

Barkley has since had more hamstring trouble but has responded well to treatment, putting him in contention for a return.