Ross Barkley absence 'due to injury'

Ross Barkley's absence from Everton's pre-season trip to Tanzania is reportedly down to injury rather than for transfer reasons.

The midfielder has just 12 months remaining on his current deal on Merseyside but has yet to take up the offer of fresh terms amid speculation linking him with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.

Yesterday it was confirmed that the 23-year-old was not part of Ronald Koeman's 25-man squad travelling to Africa for a friendly tomorrow, fuelling rumours of an imminent exit from Goodison Park.

According to Sky Sports News, Barkley has actually sustained a groin injury and has remained in England to receive treatment, with no current indication of the timescale for his recovery.

Barkley has been with the Toffees since the age of 11 and has since made 179 appearances for the senior side, scoring 27 goals.