Loftus-Cheek loan move ruled out

Chelsea: Ruben Loftus Cheek

Ruben Loftus-Cheek will remain part of the Chelsea first-team squad and will not be sent out on loan, boss Antonio Conte says.

The 20-year-old impressed playing just behind striker Michy Batshuayi during the 3-2 win over Bristol Rovers in the EFL Cup.

Conte said he felt Loftus-Cheek was most suited to an attacking role, rather than deeper, and would give him the chance to press his claims for a regular spot.

He said: “It’s right to improve the players in the squad, but it’s right also to give opportunities to young players like Loftus-Cheek to stay with the first team and help us.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte
Conte is keen for Chelsea’s youngsters to break through

“He can improve a lot but I am pleased because I see him every day during the training sessions – he wants to work very hard and I like this.

“I am happy with his commitment, his attitude – Ruben has great potential as a young player.

“He is very strong, very good at playing with his back [to goal], has good technique and sees the goal very well, with a good shot.”

Chalobah still waiting

Conte also revealed he originally wanted to bring on Nathaniel Chalobah against Rovers but instead introduced Oscar because the game was still in the balance.

It means the 21-year-old Chalobah, who has had six spells out on loan and featured for Chelsea in successive pre-season campaigns, is still waiting to make his competitive debut for the club.

Conte made a point of speaking to Chalobah after the substitution, and he subsequently explained: “The disappointment was mine because I wanted Chalobah to play.

“But I preferred to put Oscar on because the situation could [have] become very dangerous.

“But it’s a pity for me because he deserves to play. He’s a good young player.”