Tuchel: Loftus-Cheek reminds me of Ballack and can make it at Chelsea

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Thomas Tuchel suggested Ruben Loftus-Cheek will be given his chance to impress at Chelsea next season after likening the 25-year-old Fulham loanee to Michael Ballack.

Loftus-Cheek is spending this season on loan at Fulham and so will not be able to feature against his parent club at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Midfielder Mateo Kovacic will be missing for Chelsea after feeling discomfort in training, while centre back Antonio Rudiger is also set to skip the visit of Fulham.

© Provided by Daily MailThomas Tuchel has handed a lifeline to Ruben Loftus-Cheek regarding his Chelsea future

© Provided by Daily MailThe 25-year-old has spent the season on loan with Fulham but has only impressed in bursts

Tuchel's selection will be made with one eye on their Champions League semi final second leg with Real Madrid on Wednesday, after drawing the first leg 1-1.

Speaking on Friday, Tuchel said on Loftus-Cheek: 'I was quite a fan of him when he was younger.

'He reminded me of Michael Ballack. There were links with him moving to Germany. We are well aware of his talent. I don't know why things have not worked out as he wished but now he is doing good.

'I cannot judge him from TV and hearsay. I love to work with players then to give my opinion.'

© Provided by Daily MailLoftus-Cheek has struggled in recent years and found himself shipped out on loan regularly

© Provided by Daily MailYet Tuchel says the 25-year-old reminds him of Chelsea icon Michael Ballack

On facing Fulham, Tuchel added; 'Fulham is a good chance to keep our advantage in the league, nothing else. I know very well it is a match between two semi finals.

'It is not a usual week but I am happy. It is the moment to prove to ourselves that we can focus our energy into tomorrow's game.

'We are in the middle of the race. It is not easy to switch from one competition to another but who cares? It is my job to find the mix, to put the players in the right mindset and to prepare for this match in a way they all understand the importance.'