Chelsea: Ruben Loftus-Cheek could return sooner than anticipated

Ruben Loftus-Cheek netted a brace in Chelsea’s closed door friendly against QPR, showing fans he could return sooner than expected.

Before the Premier League stoppage, Ruben Loftus-Cheek was just getting back into shape. The English midfielder played one match for Chelsea’s developmental squad and was named on the bench twice in the Premier League for the first team. However, fans never got to see him on the pitch with Frank Lampard’s boys.

Now, as we approach the Blues’ first match back against Aston Villa, Loftus-Cheek could be closer to a return than many originally suspected.

During a 12-month span where nothing seemed to be going Loftus-Cheek’s way, the 24-year-old caught two big breaks in the span of a few days. First, the Premier League announced five substitutions could be made during matches and the bench would increase in size. Instead of having seven players on the sideline, top tier teams can now have nine. This gives Lampard more room to include youth and players like Loftus-Cheek given there is more tactical breathing room.

The other stroke of luck Loftus-Cheek got was the FA allowing clubs to scrimmage other teams in their areas prior to the restart. The Blues were able to arrange matches with Reading and QPR before the Premier League season picks back up, giving the midfielder another level of practice before his comeback is complete.

In the match against QPR, Loftus-Cheek shined. He netted a brace at Stamford Bridge and seemingly closed the door on the questions regarding his match fitness. While many expected Lampard to wait until Chelsea’s match against Watford or Crystal Palace to debut Loftus-Cheek for the first time this season, he could feature against Aston Villa at the weekend.

Loftus-Cheek was one of the Blues’ best players last season and supporters have been itching to see what he can do under Lampard. With Jorginho suspended for the Blues’ first league tie since March, Loftus-Cheek could have a big role to play. It’s unlikely he starts, but it’ll be fantastic to have him back regardless.

Loftus-Cheek’s return to the side is as refreshing as all of the talk about new transfers recently. He’s going to have a large part to play in the remainder of Chelsea’s season and that role could start on Sunday at Villa Park.