Ruben Loftus-Cheek determined to overcome back injury and find best form

Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has pledged to become “stronger, fitter and faster” as he continues to manage a long-term back injury. Loftus-Cheek bossed the midfield in Chelsea’s 1-1 Europa League semi-final first-leg draw at Eintracht Frankfurt, repeatedly driving at the home defence and laying on Pedro’s crucial goal. The 23-year-old has again had to battle his back ailments this term, as issues that date back years have continued to restrict his development. View this post on Instagram Tough game 💪🏾 good result. Away goal to take back to the bridge 🔵✨ A post shared by Ruben loftus-cheek (@rubey_lcheek) on May 2, 2019 at 3: 35pm PDT Blues head coach Maurizio Sarri has admitted Loftus-Cheek’s ongoing condition has led to staccato availability this term, but now the England international believes he is ready to put those woes behind him. “It’s really good, I’ve been working hard; I haven’t felt my back in a while, so those are really good signs and I hope to build on that,” said Loftus-Cheek. “I can only get stronger, fitter and faster. So for me I just keep my head down, keep working hard, keep a positive attitude. Hopefully the injury’s calmed down and I can play regularly.” Luka Jovic headed Eintracht into an early lead at the Commerzbank Arena on Thursday, with Chelsea worryingly slow out of the blocks. Sarri’s men rallied quickly however with Loftus-Cheek teeing up Pedro on the stroke of half-time. The visitors spurned several fine chances to take a lead back to Stamford Bridge ahead of Thursday’s second leg, but Loftus-Cheek still relished the experience. The Blues host Watford in their final home Premier League match of the campaign on Sunday, with Loftus-Cheek admitting Chelsea must quickly switch focus back into domestic mode. Post-match duties underway at Commerzbank-Arena! 🎙 @Rubey_LCheek #FRACHE pic.twitter.com/wUu21yepfn — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 2, 2019 “That was my first competitive semi-final at a high level and I really enjoyed playing in the game, in a fantastic stadium with a fantastic atmosphere,” Loftus-Cheek told Chelsea TV. “That’s what football’s about and hopefully I’ll have many more semi-finals in the future, and a final soon. “I thought Jorginho was fantastic in the second half, which gave me and N’Golo (Kante) the space to turn and attack players. Ruben Loftus-Cheek set up Pedro for Chelsea’s equaliser in Germany (Steven Paston/PA) “I think working on that in the games and in training it’s important to keep that balance with attack and defence. I think that balance was really good, so we’ll carry on working on it. “The business end where the games really matter, that’s what football’s about and I really love being a part of that. “It’s difficult if you play in the Europa League because you’ve got to switch your mentality to the Premier League really fast. “So now we’ve got to switch our attention really quickly for another big game.” Topics Europa League, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Premier League, Chelsea Ruben Loftus-Cheek has the opportunity to become more than simply a first-team player at Chelsea Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s road is running out at Chelsea – and reaching an inevitable conclusion Loftus-Cheek rues ‘sloppy’ Chelsea display Chelsea 3 BATE 1: Loftus-Cheek hat-trick sends message to Sarri Real Madrid win race for in-demand Bundesliga striker – report Here’s why Manchester United and Liverpool could both miss out on Joao Felix this summer Manchester United have told Real Madrid how much it will cost them to sign Paul Pogba Guardiola impressed by impact Rodgers has had at Leicester Chelsea and Manchester United on red alert as Real Madrid make star available for transfer The £60 million sixth-choice forward: what’s happened to Riyad Mahrez at Manchester City? Real Madrid set date to confirm Eden Hazard signing – report Pontus Jansson: “I had an offer to leave Leeds last summer – but I didn’t want people to remember me for negative things” Quiz! Can you name the Chelsea squad that won the Europa League in 2013? Friday’s big transfer rumours: £35 million rated teenage star ready to choose Tottenham over PSG and Juventus