Benched Loftus-Cheek will play ‘big part’ for Fulham

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Scott Parker insists Ruben Loftus-Cheek will have a “big part” to play for Fulham this season despite being left out against West Brom.

Bobby Decordova-Reid was preferred to Loftus-Cheek – and scored in the Whites’ 2-0 win at Craven Cottage.


Loftus-Cheek spent a long spell out with an Achilles injury prior to his loan move from Chelsea.

He has made two appearances since that deadline day deal but was an unused substitute on Monday.

Fulham boss Parker believes the England midfielder will play a major role over the course of the campaign.

Parker explained: “Ruben had been out for a long time, came into the club late and has played two games.

“I just felt Bobby was the one and we went with him.

“Ruben will have a lot of game time this year and he’ll bring his quality and will have a lot to offer.

“He’ll help us moving forward, no doubt. He didn’t start this one but he’ll have a big part to play.”

Meanwhile, Fulham will assess a hamstring injury Mario Lemina picked up

Lemina, on loan from Southampton, was substituted at half-time.

Parker said: “He’s struggling a little bit. He felt his hamstring a little bit in the first half, so we didn’t want to take any risks. We’ll have to see how he is.”