Chelsea manager Frank Lampard says Ruben Loftus-Cheek could leave on loan: 'He needs to play'

English midfielder linked with Aston Villa and West Ham

Chelsea's Ruben Loftus-Cheek (left) is replaced by substitute Ross Barkley during the Premier League match at the AMEX Stadium, Brighton. PA Photo. Picture date: Monday September 14, 2020. See PA storShow more

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard said midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek could benefit from a loan spell this season to get regular game time.

Loftus-Cheek, 24, was hampered by an Achilles injury last season that limited him to nine appearances in all competitions.

He was handed a rare start in Chelsea's season-opening win against Brighton & Hove Albion but was singled out for criticism by television pundits, who said he lacked pace and lost possession too often.

Aston Villa and West Ham United have been linked with a move for Loftus-Cheek, and Lampard said it was important for the Englishman to get regular game time.

Loftus-Cheek last went out on loan to Crystal Palace during the 2017-18 season and his impressive form earned him a call-up to the England squad for the 2018 World Cup.

"I am very open with Ruben. We have had a couple of conversations in the last week. He is fit as a fiddle so he could play week in, week out, but he needs to play," Lampard said.

"He has done a lot of work and would have been playing a lot of games earlier if it wasn't for lockdown. There is a possibility Ruben might go out (on loan) to play games, because I think that would be great for him."

"We hold him in high regard. He wants to play and the reality is I have a lot of competition in those areas."

Chelsea face Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup fourth round on Tuesday.

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