Ruben Loftus-Cheek emerges unscathed from latest fitness tests, returns to Crystal Palace

Ruben Loftus-Cheek, he of the multiple back and ankle woes, is finally fully fit and back in training with Crystal Palace, his loan club.

In some ways WAGNH has become his medical chart, so painstakingly have we noted his back problem; his latest ankle problem and the fear that he might require surgery; his return to Cobham for rehabilitation; his setback in a fitness test just over a week ago, and (finally!) his latest three-day fitness test stretching from Thursday to Saturday.

So we’re delighted to see that he emerged intact and pain-free from Chelsea’s evaluation training sessions and is now back at Selhurst Park. Manager Roy Hodgson, faced with an injury crisis, may well be tempted to throw RLC into the mix as soon as this Saturday at Huddersfield Town.

As for the youngster, he’s raring to go.

“I’m not sure [how far off I am from returning to the pitch]. I’m training fully now, [and] the quicker I can get fit, the quicker I can play. If the manager wants to throw me in games early on, that’s even better.”

“I feel really good, I’m really happy to get back in the swing of things, get fit again and get training and playing as quick as I can.”

“[With] the amount of injuries the team has had, we need as many [players] back as possible. Hopefully we can all be ready to play against Huddersfield [next weekend].”

-Ruben Loftus-Cheek; source: Crystal Palace FC via Croydon Advertiser

If he does play, he’ll likely slot into the right or left midfield, which is where Hodgson has decided he’s most valuable to the Eagles.

Good luck on your return, RLC!