RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK’S injury woes are set to continue well into the New Year in a bitter blow to Chelsea fans.
The midfielder, 23, ruptured his Achilles’ tendon in a post-season friendly clash against New England Revolution in May.
And Stamford Bridge chief Frank Lampard has confirmed that Loftus-Cheek has suffered setbacks in his recovery with no timetable set for a return.
He said: “He has had a few setbacks over the last two months. He hasnt had a new one.
“It is not flying along as we would want. Its not for the want of trying for everybody.
“For Ruben there is nothing worse, of course, being injured. At the moment we are no closer to him being fit.”
Chelsea beat Aston Villa yesterday as Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham repaid Lampard’s faith in youth.
And Lamps urged his young guns to keep firing after a solid start to the season despite the transfer ban, which is still hanging over the club as an appeal is heard.
He added: “I am happy but I want more. We have had a pretty good start because most people probably expected us otherwise.
“But I want more all the time and I think that the last week has been a good example of that for us.
“For me and for us, I saw us go to Manchester City and trade with them like a big team who was in and around that level.
“Then I saw us play against West Ham and not have that, and you are going to lose games in the Premier League. Then I saw a recovery today to get back to where we are.
