Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has again insisted that Ruben Loftus-Cheek needs to improve in order to be a first-team regular at Stamford Bridge.
The England midfielder had to wait for his chance under Sarri but has featured in the last three matches – and has scored four goals.
But Sarri still believes the defensive side of Loftus-Cheek’s game need to get better.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday afternoon, Sarri explained: “He improved but I think he needs to improve more from a tactical point of view.
“All the rest is good, because physically he has great characteristics. He is fast, solid, he has impact and technically he is very good.
“I think that if he wants to play like a midfielder he has to improve in the defensive phase. But the potential is great.”
Sarri also suggested that Loftus-Cheek is now unlikely to be loaned out in January.
The player spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace and had been tipped to seek another move.
But Sarri said: “Ruben in October played four matches out of five, so I think at the moment the situation is not for a loan.”