Ruben Loftus-Cheek handed Chelsea league start for first time since April 2016
Midfielder is handed first league start of the season under Maurizio Sarri, having last been in a Blues starting XI two-and-a-half years ago
MAURIZIO SARRI has given Ruben Loftus-Cheek his first league start for Chelsea in 33 months, to the delight of supporters.
Blues boss has freshened up his side for the trip to Wolves this evening with Loftus-Cheek, who scored in Sunday’s win over Fulham, given the nod.
The last time the England midfielder started a league game for Chelsea was in April 2016 when Antonio Conte’s team was humbled 3-0 home at home to Manchester City.
Loftus-Cheek spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace and has only made four appearances in the Prem this season, all coming from the bench.
But with Sarri seeing the packed festive fixture list ahead with Wolves the second of nine games this month, Loftus-Cheek has been given his opportunity.
Chelsea’s academy product came off the bench at Stamford Bridge on Sunday in place of Mateo Kovacic and wrapped up the points for the home side.
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Loftus-Cheek gets his opportunity at the Molineux alongside Andreas Christensen and Cesc Fabregas who have also been back-up figures in west London under Sarri.
And fans were delighted with the news, with one tweeting: “Watch Loftus-Cheek prove he is the future.”
Another said: “Over the moon that Loftus-Cheek is starting.”
One noted: “Ruben Loftus-Cheek, I am so damn proud of you.”
Another wrote: “The Loftus-Cheek era begins right here.”
One added: “Good to see Loftus-Cheek getting a start.”
