‘No chance’ of Loftus-Cheek leaving, says Sarri

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has dismissed the possibility of a January exit for Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

The England midfielder impressed while on a season-long loan at Crystal Palace, who want him back.

West Ham are among several other clubs to be linked with Loftus-Cheek, who has struggled to establish himself as a first-team regular at Chelsea.

However, asked about the possibility of a move, Sarri said: “No. I want him to stay with me, to stay with us. I think there is no chance.”

Loftus-Cheek came off the substitutes’ bench to score Chelsea’s second in last Sunday’s 2-0 win over Fulham and could start in the Premier League for the first time this season on Wednesday’s trip to Wolves.

That goal came after a glaring miss by striker Alvaro Morata.

“He missed the goal only because he wanted to score too much,” said Sarri of Morata.

Morata has cut a forlorn figure at times in his 18 months at Chelsea, with Sarri admitting he is uncertain if the Spain striker needs tough love or an arm around the shoulder.

“I have to understand very well what he needs,” Sarri added.

“I’m available to do everything. I think Morata, in the last month, played well.

“He needs only continuity I think, because he needs confidence and confidence and confidence.”

Midfielder Mateo Kovacic (ankle) and left-back Marcos Alonso (back) are doubts for the trip to Molineux.