Maurizio Sarri has confirmed that Ruben Loftus-Cheek missed the 3-0 win against Southampton because of his midweek action in the Europa League.
The England international started against MOL Vidi on Thursday night and got 70 minutes of football under his belt.
The Italian head coach, who was speaking to reporters after the game, as cited on Football London, revealed that he had this in his mind when deciding to leave the player out on Sunday.
No, not [injured] at the moment. I preferred for him after 70 minutes in the last match for the first time in the season, I preferred for him to have training.
There were concerns over the player after he was not even named in the match-day squad against the Saints.
Loftus-Cheek was impressive against Vidi in the Europa League and there were calls to see more of him in the Premier League.
Instead, Ross Barkley came back into the side and impressed in Sarri’s midfield, scoring a goal and assisting Eden Hazard for Chelsea’s opener.
Loftus-Cheek continues to be linked with a loan move away from the club in January if his game time does not increase, with Crystal Palace still interested in signing the player.
