Frank Lampard Considering Using Ruben Loftus-Cheek as Striker Upon Return From Injury

​Chelsea manager Frank Lampard is thought to be considering the idea of using midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek as a striker when he makes his long-awaited return from injury.

The 23-year-old is targeting a return to training within '​four to six weeks', and was initially expected to compete for a role in midfield when he returns from his Achilles injury.

However, according to ​The Sun, Lampard may opt to deploy ​Loftus-Cheek as a striker, with the current crop of Tammy Abraham, ​Olivier Giroud and ​Michy Batshuayi all struggling to impress in the opening weeks of the season.

Giroud is the only of the trio to find the back of the net this season - in the Super Cup defeat to ​Liverpool - whilst Batshuayi is yet to feature in the first team under Lampard.

Lampard wouldn't be the first Chelsea boss to do so, with Antonio Conte also using Loftus-Cheek as a second-striker during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

The England international boasts the kind of agility and physicality which could make him a success in the position, whilst he also showcased an impressive eye for goal last season, finding the back of the net ten times across the campaign.

Moving Loftus-Cheek further forward would allow the trio of ​N'Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mason Mount to continue in midfield, with both ​Ross Barkley and ​Mateo Kovacic also vying for a place in the team.

The Sun add that the returns of both Loftus-Cheek and teammate Callum Hudson-Odoi - who recently returned to training after his own Achilles injury - could see Chelsea form an exciting attacking trio, with Loftus-Cheek in the centre and Hudson-Odoi on the left.

Callum Hudson-Odoi

The winger is also reported to be ​close to penning a new contract at Stamford Bridge which could see him earn up to £200,000 per week, so Lampard is expected to find a place for both in the team when the two players are fully fit.


Source : 90min