Maurizio
Sarri says Chelsea's Ruben Loftus-Cheek may have to deal with his long-term
back injury for the rest of his career.
The 23-year-old midfielder revealed earlier this season he has a "big curve"
in his lower back and that he has taken up yoga in an attempt to ease the
problem, which has affected him since he was 17.
He has featured in Chelsea's last 13 Premier League matches but, while he
does not believe Loftus-Cheek will need surgery, Sarri said: "We have to
control him.
"He needs a particular way of training, for sure. I think [he will suffer
the problems] for a long period, probably forever.
"But we can avoid an operation. In the last month he has been able to train
every day so, for us, it's really very important.
"Now he is fit and I am really very happy with him."
Although Loftus-Cheek has been able to feature consistently for Chelsea in
recent months, Sarri believes it would be better for his long-term fitness
if he missed England's Nations League campaign next month.
"I will be happy for him [if he is selected] but I think it is better for
him to try to recover completely," he said.
However, Loftus-Cheek is more positive regarding his fitness, and says he
has felt no ill effects from his back injury for some time.
He explained: "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.
"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."
Loftus-Cheek impressed in Chelsea's 1-1 draw away to Eintracht Frankfurt in
the first leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday, starting the
game and claiming the assist for Pedro's goal.
Ahead of the Blues' next challenge, a home game against Watford as they
chase a top-four place in the Premier League, he said: "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.
"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."
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