Ruben Loftus-Cheek has revealed his focus is on playing for Chelsea at the moment despite him having a chance at being selected for the World Cup.
The 26-year-old has become a key part of the Chelsea squad this season, particularly since Graham Potter arrived at Stamford Bridge.
He has made 14 appearances in all competitions so far and will be hoping to continue to impress and earn more minutes.
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Against Manchester United on the weekend he was handed a start, and although the Blues did not get the result they wanted, the Lewisham born midfielder performed well.
Previous to this year, Loftus-Cheek was a squad player at Chelsea, but due to injuries he was handed more opportunities, and his consistent displays have earned him a bigger role.
The last time he was getting minutes like this was back in 2019, under the management of Maurizio Sarri. He was a crucial part of that team, and helped his side win the Europa League despite not playing in the final.
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The reason behind him not being involved was due to an Achilles tendon rupture in a charity game in the US against New England Revolution. While he struggled to recover from this initially, he finally looks to have regained his form and is only getting better.
Playing alongside Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho will have certainly enhanced his game further, and the versatility he offers is also extremely helpful for Chelsea.
READ MORE: Graham Potter delivers Chelsea verdict on RB Salzburg ahead of Champions League clash
As well as playing in midfield he has been utilised in a wing-back role, which may provide another reason as to why Gareth Southgate could look to take him to Qatar.
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With a game against Red Bull Salzburg coming up on Tuesday night, he will be looking to impress again if given the chance.
Ahead of the match he attended a pre-match press conference and was asked about the potential of going to the World Cup.
He responded: "It would be amazing, it would mean a lot. As a player going to the 2018 World Cup, you see your trajectory, to be at the next World Cup if everything goes well. A lot has happened in that time.
"I'm grateful I'm fit, playing consistently. That's all I can ask for. If I go (to the World Cup), it would mean the world. But that's not at the forefront of my mind.
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"We've got some big games coming up, it would be selfish to think of my personal aspirations over the club's at the moment."
It would be a huge achievement should Loftus-Cheek get named in the World Cup squad given how difficult the past couple of years have been for him.
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His new boss Potter also touched on the matter and was full of praise for Loftus-Cheek. The Chelsea head coach added: "He's really impressed on and off the pitch. Humble, wants to learn and improve. The way he trains really, really good when he hasn't played. His quality is there, great physicality.
"He's putting himself into a situation of players who Gareth will look at."
Topics: Chelsea, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Graham Potter, Football World Cup, Football, Champions League
Sam Collins