Aston Villa Star Provides Positive Injury Update Amid Contract Confusion

Aston Villa midfielder Ross Barkley has issued a positive injury update, and dispelled a rumour about his contract situation.

The 32-year-old former England international has been out of action since November with a knee injury.

Barkley suffered the problem just 13 minutes after coming on as a substitute in a 1-0 win again Wolves on 30 November.

But he now looks to be nearing a return to the field, and at the perfect time.

Villa’s injury crisis has seen them recall Leon Bailey from loan, with a host of midfielders missing.

Despite their struggles, Villa still managed to beat Newcastle 2-0 away from home at the weekend.

That result keeps them third in the table, four points below leaders Arsenal and level with Manchester City.

But with Boubacar Kamara’s injury ruling him out for the season, Unai Emery will be delighted that Barkley is almost back.

Ross Barkley Injury News A Big Boost For Aston Villa

It’s been a torrid time at Villa Park for Ross Barkley in terms of injuries.

The former Chelsea and Everton midfielder joined Villa from Luton in 2024, but made just three Premier League starts in his first season.

This time around, he’s played seven times in the league, all of which have been from the bench.

But having not played since November, Barkley is now back in training ahead of the weekend.

Ross Barkley on IG…

Positive update, hopefully once back he can stay healthy & give Emery another important option as schedule picks up #avfc #UTV pic.twitter.com/Ta4ms6uRSP

— Talk Villa (@thetalkvilla) January 7, 2026

Villa host Brentford in the Premier League, with a chance to keep pressure on Arsenal at the top.

Barkley’s availability would be especially welcome given who Villa are missing.

As well as Kamara, John McGinn and Youri Tielemans are also out, with the spine of Emery’s team severely depleted.

Ross Barkley Clears Up Contract Confusion

As well as confirming he was back training with the team, Barkley also took to social media to clear up some confusion around his contract situation.

One Villa fan page on Twitter (now X), had claimed Barkley was out of contract this summer.

But Barkley himself replied to the post with a simple and definitive correction.

That’s not true

— Ross Barkley (@RBarkley8) January 26, 2026

The midfielder simply replied “that’s not true” underneath the post.

And when asked how long until he was back in action, Barkley added: “Back training with the team Friday.”

That news will be welcome to Villa fans on both fronts. Barkley is a popular figure at the club and a vastly experienced Premier League veteran.

With 291 appearances in the top flight, he will be a calm and reassuring voice in the dressing room.

And given the added pressure of Villa being in an unexpected title fight, such experience cannot be over-valued.