Ruben Loftus-Cheek staying put for now but could leave in January, suggests Maurizio Sarri

'So I think that Loftus will remain with us. We can speak again about his situation, but I think only in December'

Maurizio Sarri has spoken to Ruben Loftus-Cheek about his future this week and is confident the midfielder will remain at Chelsea beyond the end of the European transfer window, but admits the player could leave the club in January.

Loftus-Cheek has so far failed to force his way into Sarri’s starting line-up, coming off the bench in the opening weekend win at Huddersfield before being omitted completely from the matchday squad for last Saturday’s victory over Arsenal.

The England international, 22, made it clear during the summer he is keen to play regularly this season having impressed during his loan stay at Crystal Palace last term and as part of Gareth Southgate’s squad at the World Cup finals.

Sarri, the Blues head coach, insists the decision to leave Loftus-Cheek out last week was a tactical one and explained the move to the player midweek. The youngster has been linked with a loan move to Spain and Germany before the 31 August deadline but Sarri expects Loftus-Cheek to stay for now.

“I chose to put on the bench two wingers and only one midfielder,” said Sarri. "I have spoken with him twice this week, after I spoke with the club. So I think that Loftus will remain with us. We can speak again about his situation, but I think only in December.”

Sarri has warned Gary Cahill, another England international, he will also have to wait patiently for his chance. Cahill has so far been overlooked and with Southgate due to name his next England squad on Thursday, the experienced centre-back has so far had no opportunity to strengthen his claims for inclusion.

The defender, though, has been given a clear sign he can expect to remain on the sidelines at Stamford Bridge for a while longer as Sarri attempts to impose his style on his new squad.

“I think that, in this moment, for a defender it's more difficult to play in my team after only 20 days of training,” said Sarri. “It's easier for an offensive player. For a defender it's more difficult. So I think that, at this moment, he needs to have a lot more defensive training with us.

“I’ve spoken to him but I told him that needs to be patient now. But that he is very important for us.”

Sarri’s Chelsea side will attempt to maintain their perfect start to the league campaign when they travel to Newcastle United on Sunday and the former Napoli coach insists he is already happier than in Serie A.

“In Italy, it's a war before the match. But during the match I think that, in Serie A, after 20 minutes 2-0, the match is finished. Here, it's a party before the match but a war during the match. I prefer here.”

Loftus-Cheek in action for England at the World Cup (Getty Images)

Eden Hazard could start against Rafael Benitez’s side but Sarri insists the Belgium forward is not yet ready to complete 90 minutes. “I think that Eden is ready for 50-60 minutes,” said Sarri. “I don't know for 90 minutes. But he can start.”

The trip to St James’ Park means a reunion with Benitez, Sarri’s predecessor at Napoli, and the Chelsea coach believes he owes the Spaniard a debt of gratitude for his work at their former club.

“First of all, I think I have to say thank you to Rafa because, when I arrived in Naples, I had immediately the feeling that the team was almost ready to play my football,” he said. “And if I arrived after another coach, maybe for me it would have been more difficult. So I have to say thank you to him.

“I know he's a very good coach. We know that, on Sunday, it will be very difficult for us. We know that these opponents are very dangerous for us. In the last season, Chelsea lost 3-0 I think at Newcastle. Manchester United lost there too. Arsenal lost there as well. So we know everything. We know it will be a very difficult day for us on Sunday.”