Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek could face a year out with a ruptured Achilles tendon, according to the Sun.
The 23-year-old picked up the injury in the second half of the Blues’ 3-0 friendly win against New England Revolution yesterday.
Fans on Twitter are apoplectic at the club’s ill-conceived decision to play a friendly before the end of the season and are devastated with the potential lengthy absence of Loftus-Cheek:
Absolutely gutted. Two of the most promising players in the 2nd half of the season, both’ve met the same fate.
At least one was avoidable, damn Sarri.— Blue Hatchet Man (@shaunkrish) 16 May 2019
This would damage his first team status. Can‘t see him getting back to play until August.
— CHE (@wise_lol) 16 May 2019
Everyone who makes decisions at this club needs to be put in the bin.
— . (@DanCFCSalmons) 16 May 2019
I thought Man U was run bad, but you @ChelseaFC proved me wrong ffs
— ? Austin (@King_Auzzie) 16 May 2019
Imbecilic decision from the club to have this fixture.
— Lou (@heavenlyblue007) 16 May 2019
A travesty caused by one of the dumbest decisions I’ve ever seen a professional sports team make. Should never have played this until after the Europa League final. This is like the Patriots playing an exhibition before the Super Bowl. #CFC
— Jay (@RoanokeHokie) 16 May 2019
Here I was hoping he just rolled his ankle and it looked worse than it was, for God’s sake.
— Joe (@Joe_blues25) 16 May 2019
Ugh so worse than originally thought then? He’s going to be a big miss rotten timing.
— CuggyMunt (@MuntCuggy) 16 May 2019
Wow
— Kantract killa (@EPTIC_FLAMEZ) 16 May 2019
Some supporters may be surprised by the initial prognosis but Achilles injuries can take a long time to recover from.
Callum Hudson-Odoi’s injury is said to be a relatively minor one, but it will still take at least three months for him to return to fitness.
However, there have been cases recently, such as Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny and Manchester City’s Claudio Bravo where recovery time can be six months or more.
Bravo’s injury happened in August and he still remains on the treatment table.