Pat Nevin has told the Chelsea Chronicle he is doubtful that Ruben Loftus-Cheek can squeeze his way into Thomas Tuchel’s group.
Loftus-Cheek is set to return to Cobham for pre-season training, having spent the previous term on loan with relegated Fulham.
It was a move that was meant to re-energise his career after some of the batteries died out in the 25-year-old’s circuit.
Sadly for the midfielder, his frustrating development took a step in the wrong direction.
He wasn’t the creative influence on Scott Parker’s side everyone had hoped.
In 33 appearances, Loftus-Cheek scored just one goal.
The Chelsea academy product must now prove to Tuchel is worthy of a place in his already stacked squad.
Nevin not sure about Loftus-Cheek
Regrettably, Nevin felt his moment in the spotlight had passed, at least at Stamford Bridge.
“For Ruben, he will play every week or must week when he’s out on loan,” said the Blues icon.
“He couldn’t get a game for England because he’s fallen down the list. I would say Billy (Gilmour) is ahead of him in the pecking order. It’s tricky.
“He’s a quality player. If you can get the best out of him, week-in-week-out, he’s somebody that can be helpful to the squad with his power and the running.
“But in reality, I’m just not sure he’s going to come in and walk into our team.”
Inconsistent career
Track the trajectory of Loftus-Cheek’s development and it makes for slightly confusing reading.
His rise through Chelsea’s youth ranks was quick but not unexpected, considering the natural abilities he could wield.
Jose Mourinho handed him a first-team debut in 2014 when he was still a teenager.
Gradually, he earned more senior appearances and was on the verge of becoming a regular until repeated injuries struck him down during the 2017/18 campaign.
Arguably his best spell came under Maurizio Sarri, who used Loftus-Cheek 40 times in all competitions.
It was enough for him to be included in England’s 2018 World Cup camp.
But he was cruelly hit by an Achilles tendon rupture that ruled him out for over half the 2019/20 chapter.
A new order was meant to begin with Fulham; unfortunately, it feels like the same story is being repeated.
Sarri is reportedly eager on a reunion with Loftus-Cheek at Lazio, which could be an intriguing challenge.
Check out Pat Nevin’s new book, The Accidental Footballer, a memoir of his journey from talented schoolboy to Chelsea legend.
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