When Matt Barkley suffered a shoulder injury against UCLA in November, there were hopes that he would be able to return in time to play in USC's bowl game. However, as the Sun Bowl draws close, it appears unlikely that the four-year starter will take the field for the Trojans.

Barkley and teammates in pre-practice running/stretching. twitter.com/RegisterUSC/st...

— Rich Hammond (@RegisterUSC) December 26, 2012

#USC is working out in full pads. But QB Matt Barkley is in jersey and sweats. twitter.com/LATimesklein/s...

— Gary Klein (@LATimesklein) December 26, 2012

After Wednesday's first practice in El Paso, it was announced that coach Lane Kiffin would name the game's starter following practice on Thursday.

Lane Kiffin will name his starting QB for the #SunBowl after tomorrow's practice. #USC

— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) December 27, 2012

But Max Wittek, who started in place of Barkley against Notre Dame, may have spilled the beans a day early.

USC QB Max Wittek, on whether he expects to start in the Sun Bowl: "It looks like it."

— Rich Hammond (@RegisterUSC) December 27, 2012

USC faces Georgia Tech in the Sun Bowl on Dec. 31.