This Sunday, against Newcastle United, it would appear that the best Ruben Loftus-Cheek can hope for is a place on the substitutes bench, if he’s lucky.
The midfielder, who starred in England’s recent World Cup campaign, is unable to force his way into Maurizio Sarri’s starting eleven with Ross Barkley having edged ahead of him in the pecking order.
Naturally, Loftus-Cheek is keen to play regular first-team football and there has been the talk of the midfielder going off on a loan spell, possibly abroad seeing as the Premier League transfer window is closed.
However, at the pre-match press conference ahead of the visit to Newcastle, Sarri, as reported by the BBC, has ruled out an immediate loan move for the star, remarking,
“I’ve spoken with him twice this week, and after I spoke with the club, so I think he will remain with us. We can speak again about his situation, but I think only in December.”
Loftus-Cheek needs to be patient in this developing scenario. Although Chelsea are currently only playing one game a week, at present, the hectic schedule increases shortly with Chelsea set to begin their participation in the Europa League and the League Cup, two competitions where the talented midfielder is sure to get the opportunity to impress.