Ruben Loftus-Cheek looks set to miss the Europa League final and a big chunk of next season. The player ruptured his Achilles tendon during Chelsea’s recent friendly in Boston.
Loftus-Cheek, a half-time substitute during the 3-0 win over New England Revolution, fell awkwardly within 20 minutes.
The 23 year old limped off the field, at the Gillette Stadium in Boston, which was attended by Roman Abramovich.
This comes as a huge blow to Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri, who had finally given the England international a full-time position in the starting squad.
Loftus-Cheek was spotted leaving the stadium on crutches alongside a protective boot around his left foot.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek leaves the Gillette Stadium on crutches, and wearing a protective boot.
This is dreadful to see. pic.twitter.com/9M3oiwhhft— Dan Levene (@danlevene) May 16, 2019
The healing time for a ruptured Achilles is generally six months, meaning the 23-year-old will definitely miss the start of next season.
This is also devastating news for the player who is currently negotiating a new contract at Chelsea. He recently revealed he has no intention of leaving the club.
He said: “I’m not sure, I let my agent deal with it. I’m not thinking about that right now.
“It’s important for me to focus on the here and now, and I’m playing right now.
“It’s looking good so there’s no reason why I should think about leaving Chelsea.”
Chelsea are under a transfer ban this summer, and although they will appeal through the Court of Arbitration for Sport, options are looking slim for next term.
