Chelsea manager Frank Lampard says Ruben Loftus-Cheek could leave on loan: 'He needs to play'

English midfielder linked with Aston Villa and West Ham

Chelsea's Ruben Loftus-Cheek (left) is replaced by substitute Ross Barkley during the Premier League match at the AMEX Stadium, Brighton. PA Photo. Picture date: Monday September 14, 2020. See PA story SOCCER Brighton. Photo credit should read: Glyn Kirk/NMC Pool/PA Wire. EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.Show less

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard said midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek could benefit from a loan spell this season to get regular game time.

Loftus-Cheek, 24, was hampered by an Achilles injury last season that limited him to nine appearances in all competitions.

He was handed a rare start in Chelsea's season-opening win against Brighton & Hove Albion but was singled out for criticism by television pundits, who said he lacked pace and lost possession too often.

Aston Villa and West Ham United have been linked with a move for Loftus-Cheek, and Lampard said it was important for the Englishman to get regular game time.

Loftus-Cheek last went out on loan to Crystal Palace during the 2017-18 season and his impressive form earned him a call-up to the England squad for the 2018 World Cup.

"I am very open with Ruben. We have had a couple of conversations in the last week. He is fit as a fiddle so he could play week in, week out, but he needs to play," Lampard said.

"He has done a lot of work and would have been playing a lot of games earlier if it wasn't for lockdown. There is a possibility Ruben might go out (on loan) to play games, because I think that would be great for him."

"We hold him in high regard. He wants to play and the reality is I have a lot of competition in those areas."

Chelsea face Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup fourth round on Tuesday.

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Brighton v Chelsea player ratings

CHELSEA RATINGS: Kepa Arrizabalaga - 5. Allowed a firm but saveable Leandro Trossard effort to squirm past him and into the net for 1-1 and looked uncomfortable at set pieces. AFP

Marcos Alonso - 6. He couldn’t get forward as much as he would have liked thanks to a solid all-round display by opposite number Tariq Lamptey, and the Brighton full back gave Alonso plenty to think about going the other way, too. Reuters

Kurt Zouma - 8. An excellent display in which he was always in control over Brighton’s two-man forward line, while chipping in with a goal of his own. Reuters

Andreas Christensen -7. In the right place at the right time on a couple of occasions to snuff out some promising Brighton openings, including an excellent block to deny Steve Alzate. AFP

Reece James - 7. Had a couple of sticky moments defensively, but his beautifully struck strike early in the second half put Chelsea back in the driving seat. AFP

Jorginho - 8. Coolly stroked home his penalty midway through the first half to put his side ahead, in a performance that was full of poise and control. Reuters

Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 5. Struggled to make an impact on proceedings, in what was a poor display from a talented player. He was replaced by Ross Barkley on the hour. Getty Images

N’Golo Kante – 6. Went about his business quietly, keeping a close eye on Brighton’s midfielders as they advanced towards the Chelsea box. EPA

Mason Mount – 6. Started the game brightly but faded as the match wore on. Not a performance for the highlight reel, but not a bad game either. Reuters

Kai Havertz – 5. A fairly anonymous display from the summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen. Early days, but the 21-year-old will be a touch disappointed with his lack of impact. AFP

Timo Werner – 7. Hovered across the final third, causing the Brighton backline all sorts of problems, and his sharp movement won his side the penalty that got Chelsea up and running for the season. Reuters

SUBS: Ross Barkley (Loftus-Cheek, 60’) - 6. Some neat turns and touches, and his introduction saw Chelsea step up their attacking tempo. AP Photo

Callum Hudson-Odoi (Havertz, 80’) – N/A. Not enough time to make an impact. Getty Images

Cesar Azpilicueta (Jorginho, 85’) – N/A. Slotted into the Chelsea back four to see the game out in the closing stages. Reuters

BRIGHTON RATINGS: Mat Ryan – 5. The Australian conceded the penalty and was sent the wrong way from the spot by Jorginho. He made a good save to deny Werner at his near post but could do little to stop Reece James. Getty Images

Tariq Lamptey – 8. The former Chelsea defender was the pick of the bunch for the home side. His pace caused Chelsea problems going forward, but he also made more tackles and interceptions than his teammates. AFP

Leandro Trossard – 7, The Belgian international impressed with his movement and link-up play, and he found the scoresheet with a well-worked finish. AP

Solly March – 6, The left footer played well, linking positively with Trossard and contributing dangerous crosses and runs in and around the Chelsea area. AFP

Ben White – 7, The 22-year-old performed well on his debut and showed why he was a wanted man in the summer. Looked confident with the ball at his feet, and made a number of positive interventions. Reuters

Yves Bissouma – 6, The midfielder was overpowered in the second half as Chelsea turned the screw, but he started well. PA

Adam Lallana – 5, The former Liverpool man was forced to come off through injury in a setback that will worry Graham Potter. Protected the ball well and had put the Chelsea back line under pressure until he went off. PA

Lewis Dunk – 6, The central defender was impressive at the heart of the Albion defence, though his missed header with the score at 2-1 will no doubt keep him awake at night. AFP

Adam Webster – 5, The left-sided central defender was solid throughout and he was unlucky to see Chelsea’s third deflect off him. AP

Neal Maupay – 5, Missed a good chance to score following a good cross from Lamptey, and overall worked hard. AFP

Steven Alzate – 5, Had a positive start but was guilty of giving the ball away for Chelsea’s opener, and then conceded the penalty. Reuters

SUBS: Aaron Connolly (Lallana 44) – 6, Took his chance well following the injury to Lallana. He was lively and enjoyed two efforts on goal. PA

Pascal Gross (White 79) – N/A Came on for the last 10 minutes but couldn’t influence the game. PA

Alireza Jahanbakhsh (Alzate 79) N/A Brighton’s hero against Chelsea last time out couldn’t repeat his antics on this occasion after he came on with 10 minutes left on the clock. AFP