Regular playing time next season ‘key’ for Loftus-Cheek decision

Despite missing several months of the season with injury, Ruben Loftus-Cheek is on the plane to Russia. That’s how highly England manager Gareth Southgate rates him, picking the 22-year-old, who had just returned to full fitness recently, over more experienced options.

Is Loftus-Cheek rated that highly by Chelsea as well? We’re likely to find out after the World Cup (or after England are eliminated). The kid himself has made it clear that he wants to be somewhere where he will be playing regularly.

“Going forward I’ve really realised the importance of playing regularly for my own progress and development. I felt like I got better and better every game at Palace so playing regularly is the key going forward and that will help me make my decision after the World Cup.”

-Ruben Loftus-Cheek; source: Mirror

RLC spent multiple years on the fringes on the Chelsea first-team before finally getting his first real test with Crystal Palace this season. Most would agree that he passed with flying colors. Does that mean he’s due to be reintegrated to the Chelsea team? Or do we risk another loan and ending up with another case of Romelu Lukaku?