Everton midfielder Ross Barkley is close to returning from injury but club manager Roberto Martinez has warned England over taking him to next June's European Under-21s Championships. Barkley, 20, suffered a knee injury on the eve of this season but could return against Aston Villa on Saturday. He has already been touted for a spot in Gareth Southgate's squad for the tournament in the Czech Republic. "Ross is coming back from injury so he hasn't played much," said Martinez. "If the tournament was now it would be a good opportunity for him to get some playing time but if it is at the end of a season where he has played consistently for 10 months then he needs to have a break." There speaks the voice of impartiality in the matter. Good job his injury means he won't be playing for more than 6 months without a break, then, isn't it? http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29642549
Can't fault Martnez for looking out for his clubs players, who the club own and pay their wages. If it was the full national team then Barkley should go but if he's fatigued by the end of the season, which I understand is common for young lads playing week in week out, then it's not too big a deal for him to sit out the u21's. The experience would obviously be of benefit to him but would he run the risk of over exerting himself and would that hamper his development over the next season?
