Barkley struggles after early injury against Newcastle

Frank Lampard confirmed that Ross Barkley turned his ankle in Chelsea’s win over Newcastle as the England player struggled to impose himself in the first half. Barkley put in a lacklustre display after receiving an early knock in Chelsea’s 1-0 home win over Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge – a result which took the Blues up to third in the Premier League table.
The ex-Everton star was restored to the Chelsea starting line-up on Saturday in Lampard’s 4-3-3, with Mason Mount playing on the left of the three in midfield, Barkley on the right and Jorginho taking up the position at the base.
Barkley was axed for an off-field incident in Liverpool city centre late last month, but was given a spot on the bench at Southampton just prior to the international break.
But he gave everyone a reminder of his abilities by grabbing a well-taken brace in England’s 6-0 win in Bulgaria on Monday night.
However, it started badly for him against Newcastle when he was seen hobbling around Stamford Bridge after just three minutes.
He soldiered on for another 40 minutes of the match, completing 17 of his 20 attempted passes and going into three tackles while making one interception.
But he was forced off just before half-time, to be replaced by Mateo Kovacic, and pointed to his right foot as he walked past Lampard on his way to the bench. “Ross turned his ankle – the doctor wants to have a look at that,” said Lampard after the game.
He could therefore be in the treatment room over the weekend and looks to be a doubt for next week’s Champions League trip to Amsterdam to face Ajax.
And, unfortunately for Barkley, his replacement Kovacic was singled out for praise by Lampard after the game, which suggests he could well be in favour going forward. “I saw a spirit and energy from the team,” said Lampard.  “We keep picking up the wins and take nothing for granted. We had a problem in the game but solved it. Kovacic was outstanding and Christian [Pulisic] got at people. I am pleased, we have to play like that.”