Frank Lampard has reportedly tested Ruben Loftus-Cheek as a left winger ahead of Chelsea’s return to Premier League action.
The midfielder has not played at all for Chelsea this season after rupturing his left achilles during a post-season friendly against New England Revolution in May last year.
But he has resumed training in full ahead of the return of Chelsea’s Premier League season, which begins with a game against Aston Villa on Sunday.
According to The Athletic, Loftus-Cheek played a huge part in Chelsea’s preparations with many at the club under the impression that the 24-year-old will play a key role during the end of the season.
The report claims that Loftus-Cheek played full 90 minutes and scored one goal in an inter-squad friendly this month.
But the England international was played as a left winger and scored a brace in a 7-1 victory over QPR.
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Before his injury, Loftus-Cheek had been competing for a place in midfield but could now offer Lampard more option in attack.
However, Lampard siad he is cautious about overworking Loftus-Cheek when the blues’ season gets back under way.
‘He is looking fit, taking part in the training games and working really hard to get back,’ Lampard said ahead of Chelsea’s game against Villa.
‘It was a really difficult injury he had and we have missed him this season.
‘He has got himself into a position where he is fit, but we haven’t had enough matches for him, so he will have to be managed, definitely, in terms of the minutes he plays.
‘Not overstraining, but he is looking good going into this game.’
