Ruben Loftus-Cheek is hoping to be on the plane to the World Cup (Picture: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Red Bull Salzburg v Chelsea, 5.45pm, BT Sport 4
In-form Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek said his physical condition has never been better as he revealed he recently spoke with tennis star Andy Murray about overcoming injury setbacks.
Loftus-Cheek has started five of the Blues’ last six games under Graham Potter and retains hope of forcing his way into England’s World Cup squad.
The 26-year-old, who is set to face Red Bull Salzburg in the Champions League tonight, has endured a frustrating, stop-start career at Stamford Bridge amid a number of fitness issues.
But he is once again threatening to finally fulfil the potential which saw him earn a place at the 2018 World Cup, having been relatively injury-free since returning from a ruptured Achilles tendon in 2020.
Two-time Wimbledon champion Murray has also been dogged by injury problems in his illustrious career and swapped tales with Loftus-Cheek during last month’s Laver Cup.
Andy Murray has been dogged by injuries throughout his career so was well placed to offer his advice to the Chelsea man (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
‘It was good to see how he sees himself and his career and the injuries that hindered him through it,’ Loftus-Cheek, said. ‘Obviously he had a big one with the hip that he still struggles with a bit. It was a good chat to compare our careers really and injuries have been a big part.
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‘But now I feel good. I feel physically strong and fit and being injury-free for the last couple of years has been a big part of that. I’ve never had that in my career, so that’s a big positive for me and that’s why I’m in-form right now. I am feeling the strongest, fittest and quickest I’ve been.’
Loftus-Cheek won ten England caps across 2017 and 2018. Of a Three Lions recall he said: ‘I’m just happy I’m fit and healthy and playing football consistently.
‘That’s all I can ask for and if I go to the World Cup off the back of what I’m doing now, it would mean the world, but it’s not at the forefront of my mind just now.’
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He’s been chatting with the tennis ace about overcoming injury setbacks.