Lampard describes Ruben Loftus-Cheek as a new signing.

Midfielder Loftus-Cheek should be given “credit” for the effort he put in during his recovery from injury and he needs more “time” up his fitness level.

Lampard admits he hopes to see Loftus-Cheek firing on all cylinders next season.

Frank Lampard says Ruben Loftus-Cheek will be like a new signing for Chelsea next term. England midfielder Loftus-Cheek, who recently made his return from an Achilles injury, registered his first start after the coronavirus shutdown in Chelsea’s 1-0 victory against Norwich at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.  However, Lampard insists Loftus-Cheek should be given “credit” for the effort he put in during his recovery from injury, adding that he needs more “time” to up his fitness level. When asked if a fully-fit Loftus-Cheek can be likened to a new player, Lampard replied as Sky Sports reported: "I hope so. It's difficult for Ruben right now, because of how long he's had out, because of the stop-start of lockdown and the restart. But he's worked really hard to get where he is right now. In terms of his body and his fitness, we have to give him a little bit of credit and time.” Lampard reveals he can’t wait to see the 24-year-old firing on all cylinders next season. "These games now, he started against Norwich, he's made little impacts along the way. It may look like that for him in these next few games. But what I want is a Ruben firing straight out the blocks for pre-season and next season."

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