Ruben Loftus-Cheek joins first-team training AND EVERYONE REMAIN CALM

How is your Friday going?

Mine’s been fine, at work, trying to avoid any tasks that will require stress or a level of intensity un-befitting of our proximity to the weekend.

Then, Chelsea Football Club’s Twitter account posted a photo.

Wait, is that ... Ruben Loftus-Cheek? Is that ... Frank Lampard? Are those assorted members of Chelsea’s first-team? IS RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK TRAINING WITH THE FIRST TEAM!?

Moments later, another social media post thudded onto my timeline and, more forcefully, my heart.

“He’s got to the point now where he’s ready to come back. Still a lot of work for him to do, it’s been a serious injury so we’ll have to feel our way in with him. But great to see his presence and his face with us training, and hopefully we can work on that fitness as soon as possible.”

–Frank Lampard; source: The 5th Stand

Be still my frantically and unhealthily beating heart.

Now of course, as we were told just last week, his preparedness will still be a long trek across various training sessions and U23 matches before he even gets to the bench, let alone a first-team appearance.

But THAT. IS. RUBEN.

IN. TRAINING! For the first time since May.

My heart is full. May he continue to heal well while gaining fitness.

Fine, one more photo.