Jaw-struck Loftus-Cheek says worst is behind him

  • Ruben Loftus-Cheek says the worst is behind him after suffering a broken jaw, with the injury likely to keep the AC Milan midfielder on the sidelines for around eight weeks.

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Loftus-Cheek collided with Parma goalkeeper Edoardo Corvi during the Rossoneri's 1-0 Serie A defeat at San Siro on Monday.

He was carried off on a stretcher while wearing a neck brace following a lengthy delay, with Ardon Jashari replacing him from the bench in the 11th minute.

Milan said in a statement this week that the England international is likely to miss eight weeks after sustaining a fracture of the alveolar process of the jaw.

Loftus-Cheek thanked supporters for their well-wishes in an Instagram story, writing: "It was a tough blow, but the worst is behind me.

"A heartfelt thanks to all the medical staff who supported me over these past hours with professionalism and care. 

"A special thanks to all the fans for your countless messages of love and support: I've read them and they've given me incredible strength.

"Thanks to my teammates: We are a team; we are a family. Now, forward towards our goals, strong and united, together."

Should an eight-week timeline prove accurate for Loftus-Cheek's return, he will miss key Serie A match-ups with Inter, Napoli and possibly Juventus, with his side's hopes of beating the Nerazzurri to the Scudetto appearing slim.

Ruben Ira Loftus-Cheek
Ruben Ira Loftus-Cheek
AC Milan