Chelsea assessing Loftus-Cheek injury

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is struggling with a leg injury and could be unavailable for Chelsea’s game against Cardiff on Saturday.

The midfielder suffered the injury playing for England against Switzerland this week and is being assessed.

Meanwhile, Emerson and Davide Zappacosta could also be unavailable for the match at Stamford Bridge, because of illness.

Reports have suggested Loftus-Cheek faces at least a fortnight on the sidelines and is therefore set to miss Thursday’s Europa League game against PAOK Salonika and the following week’s Carabao Cup tie at Liverpool – matches he would have expected to play in.

However, speaking at a media conference on Friday afternoon, Blues head coach Maurizio Sarri did not entirely rule Loftus-Cheek out of this weekend’s match.

Sarri said: “Yesterday there were some some problems with a fever and a sore throat for Emerson and Zappacosta.

“And there was a bit of a problem after the match with the national team for Loftus-Cheek with his right tibia.

“But I don’t know the situation because I have to speak to the doctor. I don’t know if tomorrow he will be able to play. I have to speak with the doctor and see the last training session.”

‘Best news’

Chelsea have received some positive news on Cesc Fabregas, who was sidelined by a knee problem prior to the international break.

Fabregas has returned to training and could be considered for a place on the bench against Cardiff but looks more likely to return to the squad on Thursday.

Sarri said: “The best news is Fabregas. He is training with the team so now only has to improve his physical condition. I think in a few days or one week he will be ready.

“At the moment Fabregas can be available for the bench but I want to speak to him because I think it’s maybe better to have two days of training.”

Meanwhile, Sarri has said he would like John Terry to return to Chelsea in a coaching role.