Lewisham’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek staking claim for bigger role in Tuchel’s Chelsea plans

BY PAUL LAGAN
paul@slpmedia.co.uk

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is on the cusp of a major breakthrough at Chelsea and will be hoping to start the Premier League against Burnley at the Bridge tomorrow.

The South Londoner, 25, was the star of the show in the Champions League win in Malmo on Wednesday.

Head coach Thomas Tuchel is beginning to have greater faith in Loftus-Cheek, who played the full 90 minutes in Sweden.

Tuchel said: “I was a bit worried in the first 15 minutes if he could find another gear. I heard before the match it was his first Champions League start since 2015, so we can give the boy credit for maybe being a bit nervous or finding their way into the match.

“I’m happy he fought his way through. He does not disappear. He wants to dominate opponents, he wants not just to be a part of the game because he is too talented for that. He needs to use his full potential, that is the key for him. If he does this like he is at the moment, he can be a big part of the squad.

“The next step is for him to show consistency and to push himself. The limit can constantly be pushed because he has so much potential.”

Chelsea will take on Brentford in the EFL Cup quarter-final  on December 22 at the Brentford Community Stadium with a 7.45pm kick-off.

The Blues face Aston Villa tomorrow as the FA Women’s Super League resumes after the international and FA Cup semi-finals.

The Blues could leapfrog leaders Arsenal, who don’t play, if they win by five or more goals.

Pernille Harder is the only doubt. Lauren James and Maren Mjelde are closing in on a return to first team action.

James signed from Manchester United in the summer, has not kicked a ball in anger but played in a behind-closed-doors match on Wednesday.

The 19-year-old was an unused sub in Chelsea’s comfortable 3-0 FA Cup semi-final win over Manchester City on Sunday. Manager Emma Hayes said: “I was so happy for Lauren.

“She wasn’t going to be in the squad but with Pernille pulling out of the game, I said:  ‘Do you want to come and be around the team?’ She said: ‘Yes, I’m going home to get my kitbag.’ I was never going to put her on against City. She still needs a little bit of time.”

Hayes confirmed both James and Maren Mjelde will play some part in an academy fixture in midweek as they step up their return to full fitness.

Hayes said: “It’s an opportunity for those two players to really kick on. My assistant Denise Reddy has done an amazing job with them to get them to a place where they can come in and really help the team.”

Goals from Erin Cuthbert, Melanie Leupolz and a last-minute header from Beth England secured a cup final place against Arsenal, at Wembley,  on December 5.

Hayes said: “It’s a real hard game straight after an international camp. There’s been players playing all over the place, Australia, America, all over Europe.

“It was a professional performance, and our mentality was fantastic from the off. The way we pressed, the way we counter-pressed, we had a strong intent and desire.”