Chelsea had two objectives heading into last night’s 3-0 friendly win at the New England Revolution. The off-the-pitch goal was to raise some money for a great cause: non-profit organizations fighting the rising tide of AntiSemitism.
The match dubbed the “Final Whistle on Hate” did bring awareness to the issue, but unfortunately, the attendance was dismal. The on-the-pitch goal was simple- stay healthy and avoid any major injuries ahead of the Europa League Final against Arsenal on the 29th. Well, this benchmark was certainly not met as Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek left the field unable to walk on his own power.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek leaves the Gillette Stadium on crutches, and wearing a protective boot.
This is dreadful to see. pic.twitter.com/9M3oiwhhft— Dan Levene (@danlevene) May 16, 2019
Chelsea Owner Roman Abramovich finally shows up to a game this season, and this is what happens? Loftus-Cheek, who left the stadium on crutches and in a protective boot, has suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon, according to a reporter from Goal.
Not only is he out for the UEL London derby against Arsenal, his UEFA Nations League duty with England and summer preseason exhibition is pretty much wiped out now too. This is the last thing Chelsea needed as they’re already sweating on the fitness of N’Golo Kante, and lack quality in the midfield overall.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has ruptured his Achilles tendon. Absolutely devastating. No one deserves that injury but particularly not him and not now. #CFC
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) May 16, 2019
This is absolutely devastating and disappointing for Loftus-Cheek, who has paid his dues and bided his time at Stamford Bridge to become a first team regular now.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, the author of “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets:Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry,” regularly appears on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, also contributes to Chicago Now. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram. The content of his cat’s Instagram account is unquestionably superior to his.