Frank Lampard has tested Ruben Loftus-Cheek as a left winger ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League return, according to reports.
The 24-year-old has not featured at all for Chelsea this term after rupturing his left achilles during a post-season friendly against New England Revolution last May.
But the midfielder has been training in full ahead of the return of Chelsea’s Premier League campaign, which begins against Aston Villa on Sunday.
According to The Athletic, Loftus-Cheek featured heavily in Chelsea’s preparations with many at the club now under the impression that the midfielder will play a major role during the end of the season.
The report claims that Loftus-Cheek completed 90 minutes and scored one goal in an inter-squad friendly earlier this month.
But the midfielder was played as a left winger and scored twice in a 7-1 win over QPR.
Before his injury, Loftus-Cheek had been competing for a place in central midfield but could now offer Lampard a more versatile option in attack.
Lampard, however, admits he is cautious about overworking Loftus-Cheek when Chelsea’s season gets back under way.
‘He is looking fit, taking part in the training games and working really hard to get back,’ Lampard said ahead of Chelsea’s clash against Villa.
‘It was a really difficult injury he had and we have missed him this season.
‘He has got himself into a position where he is fit, but we haven’t had enough matches for him, so he will have to be managed, definitely, in terms of the minutes he plays.
‘Not overstraining, but he is looking good going into this game.’
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