Barkley in Chelsea’s squad for Brighton game
Ross Barkley is in the Chelsea squad for Saturday’s game against Brighton but Gary Cahill and Cesc Fabregas have both been ruled out.
Barkley, recently signed from Everton, featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly against QPR’s development side on Thursday, scoring twice.
It was the England international’s first outing of the season.
Barkley, who had hamstring surgery during the summer, has been included Antonio Conte’s squad for the trip to the south coast.
Blues boss Conte has suggested that Barkley will be among Chelsea’s substitutes.
“I think Ross is in good physical condition,” Conte said.
“Yesterday he played 70 minutes in a friendly game and for tomorrow he is in the squad – he is coming with us for the game against Brighton.
“I don’t know if during the game I will give him a chance to play part of the game or if I want to wait if the game doesn’t ask for this type of situation.
“He is in the squad and he has to continue to improve and to continue to work with us.”
Cahill and Fabregas, who both went off during the recent draw against Leicester, were expected to return.
However, Conte revealed that both men are unavailable this weekend and that other players – whom he refused to name – are also carrying injuries.
“They are out. I have to check a couple of other situations for tomorrow’s game and Cahill and Fabregas are out,” the Italian said.
Chelsea will also be without Alvaro Morata and Pedro, who are suspended after being sent off during Wednesday’s FA Cup game against Norwich.
