Chelsea friendly suggests Frank Lampard has an ace up his sleeve in top-four battle

While the period away from the training ground was untimely, Loftus-Cheek has the chance during this mini pre-season to resharpen his fitness levels.

Speaking about his recovery process during lockdown, he said: “I was back training before lockdown but only just so I’ve been doing a lot of what the other boys have been doing, general fitness stuff, but I’ve also had some individual responsibilities to keep my Achilles in check, just to stop any further injuries. It’s been calf workouts and stuff like that, just keeping my body strong for whenever we go back.”

Loftus-Cheek participated in contact training as Phase One progressed to Phase Two but it is Saturday’s behind-closed-doors friendly at Stamford Bridge that suggests he is nearing a return.

The first-team players were split into two sides – one wearing the home kit and the other in the away strip – with Lampard and his coaching team officiating.

source: express.co.uk