Ross Barkley to hand Everton major boost by returning to training on Monday

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Everton ace Ross Barkley has recovered from a knee ligament injury
England international Barkley was ruled out for up to eight weeks
Roberto Martinez has praised Barkley's 'desire and hunger'

By Anthony Hay for MailOnline Follow @@Anthony_Hay

Published: 12:20 EST, 9 October 2014 | Updated: 04:14 EST, 10 October 2014

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Everton midfielder Ross Barkley will return to first-team training at the beginning of next week after recovering from a knee ligament injury.

Barkley is yet to make a competitive appearance for the Toffees so far this season as the 20-year-old was ruled out for up to eight weeks on the eve of the Premier League campaign.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez, who has heaped praise on Barkley, has revealed his star midfielder will return to full training on Monday.

VIDEO Scroll down to watch Ross Barkley smash one in during an England training session

Everton midfielder Ross Barkley is yet to make an appearance for the Toffees so far this season

Barkley, pictured shaking hands with Roberto Martinez, could return to first team action in two weeks

Ross Barkley smashes in a BEAUTY in England training

EVERTON'S WALKING WOUNDED

Steven Pienaar - Hip/thigh injury

John Stones - Ankle/foot

Seamus Coleman - Hamstring

James McCarthy - Hip/thigh

Sylvain Distin - Knock

Kevin Mirallas - Hamstring

Ross Barkley - Knee ligament

Arouna Kone - Knee

Martinez, speaking to SkySports, said: 'On Monday we expect Ross, with the green light from the medical department, to join the group.

'Now it's a matter of getting him match fit and getting him up to speed. Ross has been working really well and I don't expect any setbacks. I expect Ross to have a real clear path to get his match fitness back.

'From Monday I want him to be part of it and in probably a couple of weeks we should be able to see Ross in the squad.

'His desire and hunger to be in the team is contagious, and that is something I want to have with the group. He'll be like a fresh, new player for us.'

Barkley's return to training will come as music to the ears of Martinez - who is already without the likes of John Stones, Seamus Coleman and James McCarthy.