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    Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek reveals talks with Andy Murray over injuries as Potter backs him for World Cup squad

    CHELSEA star Ruben Loftus-Cheek turned to British tennis legend Andy Murray for advice on coping with his injury woes.Loftus-Cheek’s progress has been disrupted by several fitness issues, most notably a persistent back issue and a serious Achilles problem suffered in 2019.
    Andy Murray met with Chelsea ace Ruben Loftus-Cheek in SurbitonCredit: Getty
    Chelsea ace Ruben Loftus-Cheek has received advice from Andy MurrayCredit: Getty
    Former No1 Murray has also dealt with serious injuries throughout his stellar career, especially a hip problem that hampers him to this day.
    The Chelsea midfielder met the British hero in Surbiton during the summer while he was training and received some important advice on how to overcome injury setbacks.
    Loftus-Cheek said: “I went to see Andy train and play at Surbiton in the summer. I’m a big fan of tennis.
    “We had a chat and it was good to see how he sees himself and his career and the injuries that hindered him through it.
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    “He had a big one with the hip that he still struggles with a bit so it was good to compare careers.”
    Loftus-Cheek added: “I’ve put a lot of work into the gym and physically to get back to how I’m feeling now, but the tougher side has been the mental side to it.”
    The 26-year-old appears to have won over Chelsea manager Graham Potter with his progress.
    In fact, Potter insists England boss Gareth Southgate should seriously consider calling him up for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
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    The Blues boss said: “He has really impressed me, Ruben, on and off the pitch.
    “He is fantastic on the ball, great physicality, great athlete.
    “I think he is putting himself in a situation where he will be one of the players Gareth will be looking at as an outsider for the squad. But that is Gareth’s decision.” More

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    Chelsea to appoint Monaco technical director Laurence Stewart in newly-created role as Todd Boehly makes huge changes

    CHELSEA are set to appoint Monaco technical director Laurence Stewart to a newly-created role, reports suggest.The Blues’ new owner Todd Boehly is looking to rebuild the Stamford Bridge hierarchy and implement a multi-club model.
    Chelsea are set to appoint Monaco technical director Laurence Stewart
    Chelsea new owner Todd Boehly is aiming to create a major revamp at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
    According to The Athletic, the West Londoners have reached an agreement with Stewart who is set to undertake a new role at the club.
    The Englishman is very familiar with the model Boehly wants to put together at Chelsea as he worked under the same capacity at the Red Bull network and Monaco.
    Stewart carries immense experience after previously working with RB Leipzig, Everton, Manchester City and the FA.
    He looks set to join Christopher Vivell, who is to be appointed as Chelsea’s new technical director after his departure from Leipzig.
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    The Blues turned to Vivell after Red Bull Salzburg’s Christoph Freund rejected their offer.
    The two also look set to join forces with Southampton’s Joe Shields, who will take over as director of recruitment.
    Chelsea’s dramatic transformation got underway with the departure of various key figures in the summer.
    Those included former director Marina Granovskaia, chairman Bruce Buck as well as technical and performance advisor Petr Cech.
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    Thomas Tuchel was also sacked as manager earlier in the season after a poor start to the campaign.
    Tuchel was succeeded by Graham Potter, who is currently enjoying an eight-match unbeaten streak with five wins along the way. More

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    Arsenal and Chelsea transfer blow with ‘Wilfried Zaha set to open talks with Crystal Palace over new long-term contract’

    CRYSTAL PALACE will hold talks with star man Wilfried Zaha over a new long-term contract.That is according to Palace manager Patrick Vieira, who is adamant Zaha, 29, won’t be leaving for free in June when his contract runs out.
    Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira has dealt Arsenal and Chelsea with a transfer blowCredit: Reuters
    Palace are set to hold contract talks with star man Wilfried ZahaCredit: Getty
    That would be a significant transfer blow for Arsenal and Chelsea who have been keeping tabs on the winger for quite some time.
    Vieira said: “Wilfried knows what the club think about him, and we know what he thinks about the club.
    “There will be discussions taking place [over a new contract] but for myself and for the club what is important is for him to play at this level and to be consistent and to help those young players around him to grow and we will see what will happen.
    “If Wilfried Zaha has a good day, the team will have a good day.
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    “He’s an important player on and off the field, he’s got the experience and today he was really good in possession and out of possession he worked really hard.”
    Arsenal, Chelsea as well as Roma were eyeing Zaha during the summer transfer window.
    The 29-year-old has long held ambition to play in the Champions League after his disappointing stint with Manchester United almost a decade ago.
    The Gunners have been keeping tabs on the Ivory Coast international since 2019 when former manager Unai Emery considered him a priority before the club opted for record signing Nicolas Pepe.
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    While Chelsea are also looking to add some more firepower to Graham Potter’s faltering attack.
    Zaha has been enjoying a stunning campaign so far with five goals and one assist in 10 Premier League matches. More

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    Chelsea ratings: Kepa’s redemption story continues as Trevoh Chalobah also shines to deny Brentford

    CHELSEA were left frustrated after their visit to West London neighbours Brentford.Graham Potter remains unbeaten in charge of the Blues after the goalless draw at the Brentford Community Stadium.
    Trevoh Chalobah produced a mature display for Chelsea at BrentfordCredit: AP
    Kepa Arrizabalaga was also incredible as he kept another clean sheetCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    However, he will be left with a number of dilemmas ahead of Manchester United’s trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
    The right wing-back dilemma remains a major concern for him.
    But luckily for him he has a goalkeeper who is producing his best form for years.
    Sun Sport’s Gary Stonehouse was at Brentford to run the rule over each Chelsea player:
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    KEPA ARRIZABALAGA – 9
    Tipped over Ivan Toney’s header on eight minutes then showed brilliant reflexes to deny the striker again from close-range after he met Loftus-Cheek’s miskewed flick.
    Has prevented more goals than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League this season and he was the scourge of the Bees tonight.
    Another great performance.
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    RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK – 5
    Deployed in the unfamiliar wing-back role down the right and looked uncomfortable.
    Fortunate not to give away a penalty after a clumsy tangle with Bryan Mbeumo and his strike that narrowly avoided going into the Thames summed up his first half.
    Managed to get forward more in the second period as Chelsea pressed but still not enough to make any real impact.
    CESAR AZPILICUETA – 7
    Mopped up well for Loftus-Cheek in the opening period and came close with a low drive from distance that forced David Raya into action.
    Was caught out a few times for pace in the gap between him and RLC but his experience got him through it.
    TREVOH CHALOBAH – 9
    Deployed in the centre of his two much-more experienced centre-halves, the 23-year-old covered their lack of pace superbly.
    Made lots of key tackles and interceptions while handling the physical threat of Toney well.
    KALIDOU KOULIBALY – 7
    Struggled against the pace of the Bees attack and was almost caught out by livewire Frank Onyeka after he was caught on the ball, but Chalobah was there to clean up his mess.
    But he redeemed himself with a succession of vital blocks and enjoyed a good battle with Ivan Toney.
    MARC CUCURELLA – 7
    Vital clearance inside two minutes to take it off the toes of Mbeumo inside the box and was brilliant in the early exchanges.
    Brentford began to expose the gap between him and Koulibaly before he was taken off.
    JORGINHO – 6
    Produced his usual tireless display in the heart of the Chelsea midfield.
    Always made himself available for possession and worked hard all evening.
    CONOR GALLAGHER – 4
    Limped off after just quarter of an hour without making any meaningful impact except one floated cross.
    MASON MOUNT – 6
    Has been in sensational form of late but it just failed to click for him here.
    Was taken off in the second half. 
    KAI HAVERTZ – 5
    Hardly involved at all in first 45 except for dropping in the box after claiming he’d been tugged by Ben Mee.
    Blasted straight at Raya before being replaced after a quiet display.
    ARMANDO BROJA – 6
    After a low-key beginning, the Albanian grew into the game and demonstrated why his pace and power can cause problems at this level.
    Outdid Ben Mee twice for pace as his confidence grew and will feel hard done by that his first start for the Blues ended early as he looked far more dangerous than Havertz.
    SUBSTITUTIONS 
    MATEO KOVACIC (ON 15 MINS) – 7
    Produced a lovely dribble soon after his introduction and worked hard and threaded several nice balls forward that his attackers were unable to capitalise on.
    CARNEY CHUKWUEMEKA (ON 62 MINS) – 7
    Took the place of Mount and injected much-needed pace on the counter.
    Looked dangerous every time he had the ball and attacked, and was denied by Raya in the closing seconds, which should lead to him getting more opportunities from Potter.
    RAHEEM STERLING (ON 62 MINS) – 6
    Replaced Broja but was deployed down the left at wing-back.
    Tried everything to force through a winner as the seconds ticked on but could not conjure up the magic ingredient.
    CHRISTIAN PULISIC (ON 62 MINS) – 5
    Replaced Cucurella and buzzed around in attack but could not make anything happen.
    Stung the hands of Raya late on with a fierce drive.
    PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG (ON 81 MINS) – 5
    Arrived late into the game but had some flashes, including a late run and shot that was scooped up by Raya. More

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    Chelsea icon Michael Ballack slams ‘incomprehensible’ Boehly decision and says Potter is playing key man out of position

    MICHAEL BALLACK has slammed Todd Boehly’s first major decision as Chelsea’s new owner, calling it “incomprehensible.”And the German also reckons Graham Potter has been playing a key man out of position in his opening matches at Stamford Bridge.
    Michael Ballack has hit out at an ‘incomprehensible’ decision by Chelsea owner Todd BoehlyCredit: Getty
    Ballack, 46, spent four years at Chelsea between 2006 and 2010, scoring 26 goals in 166 matches.
    The Bayern Munich legend won three FA Cups and one Premier League title during his time in England.
    And Ballack remains a popular figure amongst Blues fans for his selfless performances in midfield.
    However, the player-turned-pundit has not been shy in giving his opinion on Chelsea in recent years.
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    Ballack was a fierce supporter of compatriot Thomas Tuchel, who led the Blues to Champions League glory in 2021.
    And he has now put new Chelsea owner Boehly on blast for brutally sacking Tuchel just a few games into the season.
    Ballack admits he was caught out by the tactician’s exit, and has urged Boehly to curtail his “elbow mentality.”
    Ballack told Bild: “I was surprised by the sacking. For me it was incomprehensible when a coach is dismissed so quickly.
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    Ballack can’t believe Boehly sacked Thomas Tuchel so early into the seasonCredit: AFP
    “Especially because Tuchel had such a great success like winning the Champions League.
    “You can see that a new owner brings a new philosophy with a new understanding of ideas.
    “Everyone has their own people they want to rely on, so they made the hard cut with the trainer.
    “We have to see if it works in the long term. I believe that you have to approach such a successful and big club carefully.
    “Chelsea doesn’t need any upheaval. Boehly is doing it differently now with his elbow mentality.”

    POTTER NOT PERFECT
    Tuchel’s replacement Graham Potter has proven to be an instant smash hit with supporters, leading Chelsea to four straight wins in his first five games.
    The ex-Brighton boss even secured an aggregate 5-0 win over Italian champs AC Milan in two Champions League group stage games.
    But Ballack has criticised Potter for his apparent mishandling of versatile Kai Havertz.
    Ballack added: “Kai has proven – even before that with Chelsea – that he can fill the striker role well.
    “It’s a pity though, because I see him in a system that is ideal for him behind the striker. There he can make even better use of his qualities.
    Ballack reckons Graham Potter is playing Kai Havertz out of positionCredit: PA
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    “That means Havertz will perhaps not shine as much up front as he does behind the top players.
    “You have to know that and that should be communicated by the coach that he will help out in attack.” More

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    Chelsea star Reece James mobbed by fans after boarding easyJet flight from Milan to Gatwick after Champions League tie

    CHELSEA star Reece James was spotted on an easyJet flight after Tuesday’s Champions League victory at AC Milan.James, 22, picked up a knee injury during the Blues’ 2-0 win over Milan at the San Siro and hobbled off the pitch after 62 minutes.

    Chelsea star Reece James was spotted on an easyJet flight after the victory over AC MilanCredit: Getty
    The full-back didn’t travel with the West Londoners back to the capital and instead stayed behind, probably to assess his fitness.
    Instead, the England international hopped on a flight to Gatwick from Milan with the budget airline.
    A fan noticed the defender and shared a photo of him on Twitter apparently disembarking the aircraft.
    James’ injury left Chelsea and England fans anxiously waiting to find out the extent of the damage just six weeks before the 2022 World Cup.
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    But the Blues are optimistic the problem is not as bad as first thought and James will have a scan today.
    The right-back took to Twitter after the game and admitted he doesn’t know how bad things are but thanked the fans for the support they have shown.
    James tweeted: “Fingers crossed it’s not a bad one. Love for all the messages, I appreciate you all.”
    Manager Graham Potter has already been dealt an injury blow in defence as Wesley Fofana suffered a knee injury.
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    And England boss Gareth Southgate is already sweating on fellow right-back Kyle Walker who had groin surgery last week.
    Trent Alexander-Arnold is also out for two weeks in a blow to his bid to convince Southgate to take him to Qatar.
    James played a key role in his team’s win over Milan, which was the fourth in a row for rejuvenated Chelsea. More

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    Eden Hazard ‘booed by Real Madrid fans’ as he is hauled off pitch after less than an hour against Shakhtar Donetsk

    EDEN HAZARD was booed off by Real Madrid fans as his Spanish nightmare continues.The former Chelsea star, 31, continues to struggle to find form with the LaLiga champions.
    Hazard was booed by Madrid fans after being substituted on Tuesday nightCredit: Rex
    The switch came after the Belgium international gave the ball away on multiple occassions during their Champions League visit to Shakhtar Donetsk..
    AS report that Hazard was jeered by Los Blancos supporters as he was substituted in the 57th minute.
    Carlo Ancelotti turned to his assistant coach – his son, Davide – and demanded that Vinicius Jr warm up to replace Hazard.
    The ex-Prem playmaker has suffered a host of injury issues since joining Madrid from the Blues for £88.5million back in 2019.
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    This was supposed to finally be a positive season for the attacker after he impressed Real bosses by turning up to pre-season in peak condition.
    But he has appeared in just three of Madrid’s eight LaLiga matches so far this season, starting in only one.
    The diminutive maestro started his country’s Nations League clash with Wales last month as they edged to a 2-1 victory.
    And his status as a benchwarmer for Ancelotti’s side is something which has him worried less than two months out from the World Cup in Qatar.
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    Speaking to Spanish media, he said: “There have been difficult times because I want to play and I don’t play.
    “I feel good at Real Madrid, I just play less. And when I play, I play well. It’s a delicate situation because I want to play more.
    “I know what I can do when I play.
    “I want to play the maximum number of minutes and get to the World Cup in shape.”
    Although boss Ancelotti doesn’t agree with Hazard on the standard of his performances.
    He said: “Eden hasn’t had to speak to me because he knows the situation, that there’s a lot of competition. I think his situation is quite clear.” More

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    Chelsea star Reece James gives injury update after being taken off in win at AC Milan amid England World Cup concerns

    CHELSEA star Reece James is keeping his “fingers crossed” in hope that his injury against AC Milan in the Champions League isn’t serious.James, 22, went down twice at the San Siro on Tuesday until he was substituted on 62 minutes leaving Blues and England fans anxiously waiting to find out the extent of the damage.
    Chelsea star Reece James picked up an injury against AC Milan in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
    James issued an injury update ahead of the 2022 World CupCredit: Getty
    The right-back took to Twitter after the match and admitted he doesn’t know how bad things are but thanked the fans for the support they have shown.
    James tweeted: “Fingers crossed it’s not a bad one. Love for all the messages, I appreciate you all.”
    Chelsea manager Graham Potter appeared confident that the England international will be available for selection soon.
    But the West Londoners will have to wait “24 to 48 hours” for a full injury update.
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    Potter said: “We’re hoping he’ll be OK. We’ll need 24 to 48 hours. We’ll know more after that.”
    James’ injury didn’t cost Chelsea as they picked up a comfortable 2-0 victory over Milan thanks to goals by Jorginho and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
    However, England manager Gareth Southgate will anxiously be waiting for an update just six weeks before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
    Southgate has already found himself with somewhat of an injury crisis in defence.
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    Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker is facing a race against time to recover from groin surgery.
    Liverpool ace Trent Alexander-Arnold also picked up a knock during Sunday’s 3-2 loss at Arsenal. More