Back to the Chelsea Newsfeed

Thomas Tuchel opens door for outcast Ruben Loftus-Cheek to return from Fulham spell and forge Chelsea career after admitting midfielder 'reminded me of Michael Ballack' ahead of west London derby

Thomas Tuchel suggested Ruben Loftus-Cheek will be given his chance to impress at Chelsea next season after likening the 25-year-old Fulham loanee to Michael Ballack.

Loftus-Cheek is spending this season on loan at Fulham and so will not be able to feature against his parent club at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Midfielder Mateo Kovacic will be missing for Chelsea after feeling discomfort in training, while centre back Antonio Rudiger is also set to skip the visit of Fulham.

Thomas Tuchel has handed a lifeline to Ruben Loftus-Cheek regarding his Chelsea future
The 25-year-old has spent the season on loan with Fulham but has only impressed in bursts

Tuchel’s selection will be made with one eye on their Champions League semi final second leg with Real Madrid on Wednesday, after drawing the first leg 1-1.