Watch: Chelsea Star Challenges Teammate To Tennis Match Ahead Of Pre-Season Return

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has challenged Chelsea teammate Reece James to a game of tennis during his post-season holidays.

The Chelsea squad are currently on their break following a gruelling and challenging 2021/22 campaign and getting a well deserved rest before they report back to their Cobham training ground next month for the start of pre-season.

It has seen players jet across the globe and during their downtime, James was the first to share his tennis skills on the court in Oxshott, Surrey.

His win on the court was spotted by many, including teammate Loftus-Cheek, who took to social media himself this week to showcase his skills with the racquet.

The 26-year-old, who is wanted by former boss Maurizio Sarri at Lazio this summer, was filmed playing a winner on the court and left a message for James.

He wrote on his Instagram story: "Apparently Reece James thinks he can take me."

Loftus-Cheek will no doubt be in James' ear over a match to see who comes out on top on the court.

The serious business though will resume in a couple of weeks upon their return to pre-season training and whether or not Loftus-Cheek will still be at the club come the end of the transfer window remains unclear.

His agent, Jonathan Barnett, confirmed no talks had taken place with Lazio but was coy on the Englishman's future.

“Lazio have not talked to Chelsea that I know of, even if Sarri esteems him and likes Serie A. Let's see what will happen,” Barnett told Il Messaggero. 

Thomas Tuchel is stacked with options in midfield and competition is rife which will need Loftus-Cheek to be at the top of his game if he is to want consistent game time at Stamford Bridge next season.

He impressed the Chelsea head coach last season when given chances in the side, but the German wants him to 'discover and unleash the monster in him' to reach his full potential.

“In general he is a shy and calm person but he needs to discover the monster in him and unleash this on a regular basis. It is necessary. 

“It is not enough to just be on the pitch, it might seem a good first step given his last years but we cannot let him think that is enough.

“We try every day and I think we are successful given his development. 

“He needs to understand his potential and his physical capacity every day in training, he cannot let loose.

"He needs to play every match like a final.”