Antonio Conte has admitted that he can 'always count on' Ruben Loftus-Cheek when called upon, but hinted that the Chelsea midfielder could soon be loaned out.

The 20-year-old has been afforded just nine minutes of playing time in the Premier League this term, while also starting twice in the EFL Cup in games against Bristol Rovers and Leicester City early in the competition.

Loftus-Cheek has not featured at all since the 3-0 league win over Leicester in mid-October, however, which Conte largely puts down to his niggling injury issues, and the Italian could now send the youngster away from Stamford Bridge for the short term.

"For now he is in our squad, but this season he has had a few injuries," he told reporters. "There is a moment when I speak with my club and make the best decision. I think Ruben has good potential - great potential! It's important to show this in order to improve. I count on him."

Loftus-Cheek, capped by England at each age-grade level up to and including the Under-21s, was used 17 times by Chelsea last season in all competitions.