Ruben Loftus-Cheek had a breakthrough season with Chelsea during the 2018/19 campaign, forcing his way into Maurizio Sarri’s plans with a series of all-action midfield displays.
The England man made 24 appearances in the Premier League for the Blues that season, bagging six goals and two assists and increasingly looking comfortable at the top level. Back then this list of new betting sites regularly listed him with short odds to score anytime. This was off the back of a promising World Cup 2018 campaign where England almost upset the odds and made it all the way through to the final.
His progress was cruelly interrupted though due to an Achilles injury he sustained during a charity match and almost a year on he is yet to return to full fitness. The suspension of football also came at the worst possible time for Loftus-Cheek, with his return to first team action now postponed until further notice.
Looking at the situation in a vacuum, it is fair to assume that Loftus-Cheek is the sort of player Frank Lampard would like. He is skilful, strong and has an eye for goal, bursting from his midfield position into the box in a similar manner to how his boss used to. Loftus-Cheek has been capped by his country and at 24 years old, he still has plenty of time to develop as a player.
However, spots in the midfield at Chelsea are far more competitive than they were at this time last season, following the emergence of Billy Gilmour and the growth in stature of Mateo Kovacic. Ross Barkley, Jorginho, N’Golo Kante and Mason Mount have also played key roles in the West London club’s season, with Lampard happy to rotate and switch formation.
As a result, working his way back into the side could prove a challenge for Loftus-Cheek, who will likely need time to return to his best form. While the club will have created detailed fitness plans for their players to adhere to during the shutdown, the 24-year-old will be hugely lacking in match fitness and will have to re-find his rhythm.
It is also unknown what situation Loftus-Cheek will return to. If the FA decides to finish the season, he will be bidding for a place in a Chelsea side looking to secure Champions League qualification. The Blues were once a sure bet for a top four place, but that is looking increasingly uncertain. With plenty on the line, it is hardly the ideal time to reintegrate a player back into the side following a long-term injury, and that is before you even consider the level of competition.
Whatever way you look at it, there is still a long road back for Loftus-Cheek at Chelsea and in his career. His form prior to this long-term injury absence shows that he has what it takes at this level, but he will likely have to prove himself once again.
