Everton have left Ross Barkley out of their 25-man pre-season squad, claiming the midfielder is to stay on Merseyside to undergo treatment on a “groin problem”.
…Not that anyone believes them.
Contract rebel Barkley appears destined for a Goodison Park exit this summer, after the England international refused to sign a new deal last season.
In fact, the club’s manager Ronald Koeman even spoke out and clarified that if Barkley rebuffed Everton’s offer of fresh terms, he would be sold to any potential suitors.
And it appears that outcome is growing increasingly likely, at least that’s the feeling on social media.
Especillat after Dominic King of the Daily Mail confirmed on Twitter that Barkley won’t be travelling to Tanzania:
Ross Barkley not included in 25-man squad Everton are taking to Tanzania. He's stayed behind on to undergo treatment on a groin problem 1/2
— Dominic King (@DominicKing_DM) July 11, 2017
Queue every social media account speculating that Barkley is as good as gone:
Ross Barkley doesn't go on tour with Everton due to " groin injury " yet bolasie has gone and he's out until Xmas ? #THFC
— tobywallaceTIPS (@tobywallace5) July 11, 2017
Ross Barkley not traveling because of 'injury'? But Bolasie is…Writing is on the wall now. See ye later, Russ
— TheBanksOfTheMersey (@MichaelEFC_1878) July 11, 2017
Everton report Ross Barkley is excluded due to a "groin injury" but he was pictured in training just yesterday. pic.twitter.com/VpxUkbBR8w
— Hotspur Related (@HotspurRelated) July 11, 2017
Must be some groin injury to miss pre-season tour and likely start of their season. More likely not wanted
— Nick Holman (@VillageTrundler) July 11, 2017
Bolasie out injured till Christmas and travelling to Tanzania, Barkley has a 'groin injury' and not travelling ?
— TheEvertonForum.com (@TheEFCForum) July 11, 2017
Looks like Ross Barkley could be off. ????
— One Bradley Lowery (@BigD1878) July 11, 2017
Cya ??
— Jamie Howard?? (@TheJamieHoward) July 11, 2017
Ross Barkley seemed to running fine in pre-season videos for someone who has a "groin injury" ???
— Vicks (@victoriacarlin_) July 11, 2017
Is that the Ross Barkley who's trained all week that's now miraculously injured ?
— Dean (@DeanJHD) July 11, 2017
'Groin injury' pic.twitter.com/CnvUEVRw33
— George Simonds (@Georgesimonds12) July 11, 2017
If Barkley does leave, with Tottenham rumoured to be among the clubs keen to sign him, Everton will likely go in for Swansea midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson.
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