Newcastle United legend-turned-pundit Alan Shearer believes Ruben Loftus-Cheek may have to consider his future with Chelsea next summer, should his gametime not improve under the guidance of manager Maurizio Sarri. Loftus-Cheek has impressed for the Blues this term with five goals from nine appearances but he is still awaiting for his maiden Premier League start of the season.

Writing in his column for The Sun, Shearer said that Loftus-Cheek may have to make a key decision on his future at the end of the campaign, if he cannot convince the manager into offering him a regular starting role, he said:“Ruben Loftus-Cheek will have a big decision to make at the end of the season. He scored against Fulham yesterday – just like he did the last time he played in the Premier League against Burnley back in October.

“But despite doing very well every time he does play, he is just not getting enough game time.I understood his decision to come back and give it a go at Chelsea because a new manager had taken over. But he will have to wait and see if he plays more between now and the end of the season, otherwise, he will really have to consider his future in the summer.”

“Loftus-Cheek struggled with fitness concerns during the early phase of the season and this saw Sarri sideline him from first-team action until he could impress in training. “Since then, the Englishman has returned to the fray with regular gametime especially in the Cup competitions and that form has encouraged the manager to consider him for the league duties at the “least from the bench “.

Nonetheless, the main aim for the midfielder would undoubtedly be the prospect of featuring regularly from the off and it remains to be seen whether he can convince the manager over the same between now and the end of the season. Chelsea are currently third on the table with 31 points after the opening 14 matches.