Chelsea are contemplating sending Ruben Loftus-Cheek on loan, preferably to a Bundesliga side. They feel a loan out to Germany could refresh his career.
Loftus-Cheek spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Fulham. He registered 32 appearances at Craven Cottage, scoring once.
So far, the Englishman has impressed in the pre-season. He played 45 minutes in a 2-1 victory against Bournemouth before getting an hour against Arsenal.
Loftus-Cheek has netted 12 times and assisted 11 in 82 appearances for Chelsea. He still has three years left on his current deal at Stamford Bridge.
Loftus-Cheek made his debut for Chelsea in 2014. Since then his progress halted due to a string of injuries. After years disrupted by injury, the 25-year-old had been a regular under Maurizio Sarri during the Italian’s tenure at the club.
In May 2019, he suffered a serious Achilles tendon injury in a friendly schedule just before the club’s Europa League final against Arsenal.
This was a tragic upset for the midfielder, sidelining him for close to 300 days. Now he faces a mountain to climb to earn back his place at Stamford Bridge.
Reports have suggested Chelsea are looking to offload Loftus-Cheek this summer. However, head coach Tuchel says he is ready to hand the 25-year-old the opportunity to prove himself ahead of the new season.
Tuchel, after the Chelsea v Arsenal pre-season friendly at the Emirates, spoke about the Englishman:
“He (Loftus-Cheek) can show more physical capability and drive more with the ball. I’m never satisfied with him, I have the feeling we need to push him to the absolute limit.“
“It’s too early to judge Ruben. He has everything in his hands, and it’s on him to decide his own future like every player.“
Loftus-Cheek plans to remain at Stamford Bridge and has promised that this will be the season “I hit the ground running” at Chelsea.
