Tuesday 21 November 2017 21:32, UK
Ruben Loftus-Cheek says he is working hard to keep his back problems at bay in a bid to keep playing regularly at Crystal Palace.
The 21-year-old midfielder on loan from Chelsea has shone in a disappointing campaign for the Eagles, and recently impressed when he made his England debut in a 0-0 draw with Germany at Wembley.
He then started against Brazil four days later but had to be substituted after 35 minutes.
However, he played the full 90 minutes when Palace drew 2-2 with Everton on Saturday and told Sky Sports he is hopeful his back problem will not flare up again.
"I have always had niggly back problems but I am working hard to keep that at bay," said Loftus-Cheek.
"Hopefully I will get a run of games and it goes away."
Palace remain bottom of the Premier League after Saturday's draw and now face a big game with Stoke at Selhurst Park this Saturday.
Loftus-Cheek said: "I realise now that every point matters when you are down near the bottom.
"Even the point on Saturday could be a massive point in the future. Every point counts, so we give everything in every game"
As for Stoke, he added: "Tough game. They are confident coming from the weekend but we go game by game, prepare well and give our best."
