Blues beat New England Revolution 3-0 in 'Final Whistle on Hate' friendly in Boston
Thursday 16 May 2019 07:30, UK
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is a doubt for the Europa League final after suffering an ankle injury during Chelsea's friendly with New England Revolution.
The 23-year-old midfielder came on as a half-time substitute, but had to be replaced after 69 minutes of the match when he appeared to twist his foot awkwardly on the uneven surface at the Gillette Stadium in Boston.
Loftus-Cheek was then seen leaving the ground on crutches and with a protective boot on his left foot.
The news will come as a concern to head coach Maurizio Sarri, with Chelsea due to play Arsenal in the Europa League final in Baku on May 29.
Loftus-Cheek has established himself as a key member of the head coach's midfield in recent months, helping them to third place in the Premier League and the final against the Gunners.
Gareth Southgate will also be worried about the 23-year-old's fitness, with his England squad for the Nations League next month being announced on Thursday.
Despite booking their place in the Europa League final, Chelsea went ahead with their prearranged friendly against the Revolution, named the 'Final Whistle on Hate' match as part of the Blues' campaign against anti-Semitism.
Two goals from Ross Barkley and one from Olivier Giroud secured a 3-0 victory, while youngsters Conor Gallagher, Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah were handed minutes by Sarri.
Barkley got Chelsea off to a rapid start, finding the net in the third minute with a ball intercepted from a clearance effort by Revolution defender Jalil Anibaba.
Giroud put Chelsea up 2-0 just before the half-hour mark, heading a cross from Davide Zappacosta. Barkley made it 3-0 for the visitors just after the hour, though celebrations were short-lived after Loftus-Cheek went to ground minutes later.
After being helped away from the pitch, he was replaced by Chelsea Academy Player of the Year Gallagher.
