Chelsea: Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s future explained by Sarri
That’s the view of Martin Keown who saw the England international bag a hat-trick in Chelsea’s 3-1 win over BATE Borisov in the Europa League last night.
Despite starring, Loftus-Cheek is still not guaranteed to start for Maurizio Sarri in the Premier League.
The likes of N’Golo Kante, Jorginho, Ross Barkley and Mateo Kovacic all appear to be head of the 22-year-old in the midfield pecking order.
It comes despite Loftus-Cheek starring for Crystal Palace on loan last season and being part of the England squad during the World Cup.
And Keown believes the midfielder will know where his future lies come the next transfer window.
“He went to Palace and he thought he could come back, roll his sleeves up and fight for his position,” Keown said.
“He hasn’t really been given the opportunity to do that.
“If he’s not been given the opportunity by January, for his own good he’s got to get going somewhere else.”
Ruben Loftus-Cheek scored a hat-trick in Chelsea's win over BATE Borisov (Image: GETTY)
Maurizio Sarri has admitted Ruben Loftus-Cheek might struggle to get into the Chelsea team (Image: GETTY)
Chelsea boss Sarri admitted that Loftus-Cheek doesn’t fit entirely in his plans.
"We have four midfielders and three of them have the same characteristics," Sarri told BT Sport.
"They are offensive midfielders, only one has other characteristics - Kante is a defensive midfielder.
“So it is very difficult to put in the starting XI two midfielders with the same characteristics.
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