Loftus-Cheek will play an important role, says Sarri

Maurizio Sarri has praised Ruben Loftus-Cheek for his efforts in training and predicted that the midfielder will play a significant role for Chelsea during September.

There has been speculation over the future of the England international, who has been overlooked by Sarri since the Italian took over as Blues head coach.

He is determined to play regular first-team football again this season, having impressed while on loan at Crystal Palace last term.

And with Chelsea facing a busy period after the international break, Sarri believes Loftus-Cheek will get chances to impress.

“I can say that I am very happy with him because in the last 10 days he has improved a lot, so I am really happy with him,” he said.

“I think he will be important for sure, starting from September when we will play every three days. So I think he will be very important and very useful for us.”

Sarri added: “It’s not easy to play here, because here there are 25 very good players.

“So it is not easy to play in the starting 11, but I think he will improve more and be ready to play from the beginning.”

Meanwhile, Cesc Fabregas is still struggling with the injury which has kept him out of Chelsea’s past two matches.

The Spaniard will also be unavailable for Saturday’s visit of Bournemouth but is expected to return after the international break.

“It is the same as last week. Cesc is still out.,” Sarri said.

“He is working in water and we are hoping that next week he will be able to work on the pitch.

“I am sure the injury is not serious, but he has pain out of the knee so it is a bit strange – but nothing serious.

“But the pain is still there so for him it is impossible to run on the pitch, only possible to run in water.”

Sarri also suggested that Tammy Abraham, who is wanted by Aston Villa, could well leave Chelsea on loan before the 5pm deadline.