Worrying times for Chelsea and Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Chelsea have provided an update on Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s injury ahead of their Europa League final clash with Arsenal at the end of this month.
With the Europa League final coming up, Chelsea flew to Boston to take part in a charity-based friendly with the New England Revolution.
The clash would raise funds for Anti-Semitic Foundations around the world but would also keep Maurizio Sarri’s squad fit ahead of the game against Arsenal.
However, it really didn’t go to plan for Chelsea youngster Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
The midfielder had to be withdrawn from the match after a very serious looking injury.
After coming on at half-time in the game, Loftus-Cheek lasted just 20 minutes before the blow, with Chelsea’s medical staff helping him off the pitch and straight down the tunnel.
Now, Chelsea have provided an update on Loftus-Cheek’s injury and it doesn’t look good.
CARDIFF, WALES – MARCH 31: Ruben Loftus-Cheek of Chelsea celebrates after he scores his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Cardiff City and Chelsea FC at Cardiff City Stadium on March 31, 2019 in Cardiff, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Lengthy spell on the sidelines for the Chelsea youngster
That’s because Chelsea have confirmed that the midfielder has ruptured his Achilles’ tendon.
As a result, Loftus-Cheek will need surgery having seen a specialist on Thursday.
While it looked very unlikely anyway, that means he will miss the Europa League final.
Chelsea’s statement read:
“Ruben Loftus-Cheek has seen a specialist today (Thursday) and will have surgery on his ruptured Achilles’ tendon this evening.
“The Chelsea midfielder left the pitch during the second half of yesterday’s game in Boston, USA.”
Loftus-Cheek won’t only be worried about the final, though.
The Englishman will now likely miss the Nations League finals with England and may not return until after next season starts.
Even after that, a ruptured Achilles is no easy injury to overcome and we wish him the best in his recovery.
Chelsea fans react
Safe to say, it wasn’t the news Chelsea fans were hoping for.
Some took to social media to show their sympathy for Ruben.
Loftus-Cheek’s injury: He deserved to play in a Europa League final and lift the trophy after being an integral part of Chelsea’s campaign this season. He has also simply been one of Chelsea’s best players of late. He described the game as the biggest of his career… #CFC
If Loftus-Cheek can’t play the Europa League Final that’s an absolute travesty.
No more friendlies during the season.
Devastated for Loftus-Cheek. Heads should roll. #CFC
Ruben Loftus-Cheek came out of the dressing room on crutches..