Chelsea fans are becoming apprehensive as midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek picked up an Achilles injury during the club’s friendly against New England Revolution and left the stadium on crutches.

The midfielder struggled with injuries all season and he’s set for yet another spell on the sidelines, and reports say he could be out for up to a year, which means he has been ruled out of the Europa League final against Arsenal on May 29 and may not be fit to start the season.

Loftus-Cheek lasted just 15 minutes after coming on for the second half of Chelsea’s 3-0 win over New England Revolution in a post-season friendly in Boston, United States.

He went down in agony after appearing to catch his foot in the grass at an awkward angle and was seen leaving the stadium on crutches and wearing a protective boot.

The report has left many Chelsea fans worried and jittery as they prepare for a historic all-English UEFA final against London rivals Arsenal.

Some of the club’s fans have taken to social media to lament the inclusion of Loftus-Cheek in the friendly match which led to his injury.

They expressed fear over Chelsea’s ability to put up a good challenge against Arsenal as Loftus-Cheek who they described as a crucial player in the team’s first eleven has been ruled out.

Their fear was compounded by the unavailability of Ngolo Kante who picked up a hamstring injury against Watford a few weeks ago and winger Callum Hudson-Odoi who also picked up an Achilles injury against Burnley towards the end of the season.

 

See some of the reactions:

 

I hate to say it but our club are seriously seriously stupid sometimes.

Here is Ruben Loftus-Cheek leaving on crutches.

What a ridiculous idea this game was. pic.twitter.com/MqpKWML5i3

— Uber Chelsea FC ? (@UberCheIseaFC) May 16, 2019

Ruben Loftus-cheek injured, words can’t describe how furious I am.

For one why the f*ck did we even play a stupid friendly right before a final, and why on earth would you play someone that important anyways.

Just a huge mess. Advantage Arsenal…

— Mod (@CFCMod_) May 16, 2019

According to Sky Sports, Ruben Loftus-Cheek is a doubt for the Europa League. But they called it an ankle injury not achilles injury. Let’s hope he can recover in 2 weeks for the final.

— Sarrismo™ (@Blue_Footy) May 16, 2019

Ruben Loftus-Cheek injured before the Europa League final. Kanté too is still unavailable. That means we have just 3 midfielders who are fit for the UEL final pic.twitter.com/bqaS9ctKsi

— Juan Selaťse (@juanselatse) May 16, 2019

Ruben Loftus-Cheek leaving the Gillette Stadium on crutches & wearing a protective boot. So so frustrating, 2 weeks before a cup final he’s injured in a friendly! Match was for a good cause but the timing was awful! This was exactly what we were all afraid of. Fuming! ✈️??? pic.twitter.com/dgFWxWu73A

— Chris Wright ??????? (@chriswrightzz) May 16, 2019

Ruben Loftus-Cheek leaves the Gillette Stadium on crutches, and wearing a protective boot.
This is dreadful to see. pic.twitter.com/9M3oiwhhft

— Dan Levene (@danlevene) May 16, 2019

 

Reports saying Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be out for 6 months after rupturing his achilles in our friendly this morning against NE Revolution.

I really feel for Ruben. He’s a fantastic footballer but he’s been so unlucky with injuries in his career. Life’s not fair sometimes.

— Football Chatters (@FootballChat555) May 16, 2019

Ruben Loftus Cheek injured for the final because of a friendly against New England Revolution. Can’t believe our board made us start our best team for the America fan base. Stupid cunts man https://t.co/onNZdkzFoM

— Jaden Smith (@ChelsRudi2) May 16, 2019