Ruben Loftus-Cheek expected to be out for ‘at least six months’ after rupturing Achilles

Ruben Loftus-Cheek will miss the Europa League final next week and could be out of action until the start of 2020 after suffering an ankle injury in a post-season friendly against New England Revolution. 

The 23 year-old midfielder came on as a half time substitute as Chelsea travelled to the US to face the MLS side.

Within just 20 minutes of his arrival he was forced off, appearing to twist his foot awkwardly.

After the game Loftus-Cheek was seen leaving the Gillette Stadium in Boston wearing a protective boot on his left foot with Maurizio Sarri initially hoping the academy graduate would be fit for the Europa League final in Baku on the 29th of May.

However, it has now emerged that initial fears are worse than expected with Loftus-Cheek out of action for a minimum of six months after results suggest a rupture of his Achilles.

Establishing himself as a key figure at Stamford Bridge in recent months, the London born man has popped up with some vital goals and performances, helping the Blues to a third place finish in the Premier League.

The news is likely to be another shattering blow to boss Maurizio Sarri who is reportedly under increased scrutiny to bring some end of season silverware to Stamford Bridge.

The Italian lost Callum Hudson-Odoi to the same injury less than a month ago and is likely to be extremely angry with the club’s decision to play the charity match against New England Revolution.

Prior to their trip to the States, Sarri questioned the purpose of the game particularly with Chelsea’s defining part of the season still to come.

With Loftus-Cheek sidelined, Gareth Southgate is expected to make last minute changes to his squad for the UEFA Nations League when he announces it on Thursday. The Chelsea star was set to be included in the tournament which starts next month.

Despite the devastating set-back for Chelsea, they managed to win the match 3-0 thanks to Ross Barkley bagging a brace and a goal from Olivier Giroud.

Any hopes of replacing the two key men Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi during the transfer window is now slim after FIFA imposed a transfer ban for a breach of regulations relating to the international transfer and registration of players under the age of 18.