Chelsea suffered a huge blow ahead of the Europa League final against Arsenal when Ruben Loftus-Cheek limped off injured in their 3-0 friendly win against the New England Revolution just 13 days before they face the Gunners in Baku.
The Blues were in Boston for the charity match titled Final Whistle on Hate as the club continues its campaign against anti-Semitism.
And a double from Ross Barkley and one from Olivier Giroud earned a comfortable victory against the MLS side.
But Maurizio Sarri, who had trepidation about the timing of the friendly, will now be concerned he has lost one of his most in-form players ahead of the final in Baku on May 29.
Loftus-Cheek appeared to catch his foot in the uneven surface and twisted awkwardly, ending his match on 69 minutes and perhaps his season with club physios helping him off.
The England midfielder has 10 goals this season for the Blues in a breakthrough year under Sarri, including a goal in the Europa League semi-final second leg against Eintracht Frankfurt.
He left Gillette Stadium on crutches with his left foot in a protective boot. Gareth Southgate will also be concerned, with Loftus-Cheek emerging as a contender to start for England at this summer’s Nations League finals.
Sarri did find time to hand late minutes to prospects Conor Gallager, Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah, but his concern now turns to the possible loss of Loftus-Cheek as he bids to end the season with silverware.
N’Golo Kante has resumed light training for the Blues, with the French midfielder’s return now even more pressing.
While Callum Hudson-Odoi and Antonio Rudiger’s seasons are already over due to injury.
Sarri will hand his squad four days off now before focus shifts to Baku.
