Aston Villa fans are anxiously awaiting the return of midfielder Ross Barkley, but a recent update casts doubt on his immediate availability. According to Dr. Rajpal Brar, a doctor in physical therapy and sports scientist, Barkley may have suffered a setback during training following his recovery from a previous knee injury. This setback has sidelined him once again, ruling him out of the crucial upcoming match against Brighton on April 2nd. Barkley's season has been plagued by inconsistency. While he's appeared in 16 matches, starting only 3, he has contributed 3 goals and 1 assist. His role under manager Unai Emery has primarily been that of a bench player, further highlighting the importance of a full recovery. Dr. Brar's statement to Villa News clarifies the situation: "The best-case scenario is that he continues to build up his fitness; however, the worst-case scenario is a setback after returning to training from his knee injury. The latter seems plausible, given that he's been ruled out for a while. He's not back in training, so we don't expect him to be available for the next game." The news is particularly disheartening given Aston Villa's pursuit of Champions League qualification. Emery's cautious approach, prioritizing Barkley's long-term health over rushing his return, is understandable. At 31, Barkley is more susceptible to re-injury, and playing through pain would only exacerbate the situation. This calculated risk mitigation strategy protects both the player and the team's long-term prospects. While Barkley's absence is a blow, the focus remains on his full recovery. His ability to contribute occasional goals adds value to the squad, and a fully fit Barkley would undoubtedly be a valuable asset in the final stretch of the season. The club will undoubtedly manage his return carefully to ensure he avoids further injury and contributes effectively for the remainder of the campaign. Meanwhile, attention turns to Aston Villa's upcoming match against Brighton, where the absence of Barkley will undoubtedly be felt. The team will need to find alternative solutions to maintain their momentum in the battle for Champions League qualification. The focus now is ensuring Barkley gets the time he needs to fully recover and regain his fitness, ultimately ensuring he returns to the pitch stronger and better prepared.