Ross Barkley has been passed fit for Aston Villa’s Premier League clash with Leeds United, acting as a huge boost.
Dean Smith’s in-form side welcome Marcelo Bielsa’s men to Villa Park on Friday evening, looking to make it an incredible five wins out of five to start the season.
Victory would see them top the Premier League for the first time since 2001.
Barkley has been in sparkling form since joining on loan from Chelsea, but he has been a doubt for the game with a knee problem.
Thankfully, the 26-year-old has overcome the issue, with the Yorkshire Post reporting that he is fit for selection, along with Keinan Davis.
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Barkley has only appeared twice in a Villa shirt, but it is already apparent what a key player he will be this season.
The midfielder has scored in both appearances to date, against Liverpool and Leicester City – the latter was a last-minute winner on Sunday – and he has linked up excellently with Jack Grealish.
Barkley looks a step up from some of Villa’s other midfield options, showing exactly why Chelsea signed him in the first place, and why he has currently won 33 caps for England and scored six goals for his country.
His presence will again be key on Friday night, with Leeds threatening to burst Villa’s bubble.
