Ruben Loftus-Cheek shares health update following serious injury
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has spoken publicly for the first time since sustaining horrific facial injuries during AC Milan’s Serie A fixture at the weekend, reports BritPanorama.
The England midfielder took to Instagram to share graphic photographs showing his condition before and after emergency surgery, including images revealing missing front teeth and significant facial swelling.
Loftus-Cheek wrote: “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.” He also expressed gratitude to fans for their support, stating, “I’ve read them and they’ve given me incredible strength.”
In his messages, he thanked his teammates, emphasising, “We are a team, we are a family. Now, forward towards our goals, strong and united, together.”
The incident occurred when the 30-year-old collided with Parma goalkeeper Edoardo Corvi during an aerial duel at the San Siro on Sunday evening. Loftus-Cheek was left in a bloodied state and required extensive treatment on the pitch before being fitted with a head and neck brace.
He was subsequently stretchered off just 11 minutes into the match and rushed to hospital. Medical assessments confirmed he had suffered an alveolar fracture—damage to the ridged section of the jaw—and lost several teeth as a result of the collision. Milan went on to lose the fixture 1-0.
The Italian club released an official statement confirming the severity of the injury, noting that Loftus-Cheek underwent surgery at the ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo hospital, performed by Dr Luca Autelitano. The procedure aimed to stabilise the fracture and was deemed entirely successful.
While Loftus-Cheek has now been discharged, he faces approximately eight weeks on the sidelines, which will render him unavailable for England’s forthcoming friendly internationals against Uruguay and Japan scheduled for late March.
The enforced absence raises questions about Loftus-Cheek’s prospects of making England’s World Cup squad for this summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Having made a notable return to the national setup last September after a six-year absence, he came on as a substitute against Wales in October, marking his first appearance for the Three Lions since 2018 and bringing his total caps to 11.
The midfielder has previously highlighted his versatility as a potential asset, having operated in both deeper and more advanced midfield roles during his careers at Chelsea and Milan respectively. His recovery will be closely monitored as he aims to return to full fitness.
In the world of football, even the most robust can confront vulnerabilities, a reminder that bravery extends beyond the pitch.
