The timing of Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s Achilles injury is considered to be “grossly unfair”, but Chelsea legend Pat Nevin admits the midfielder could return in shape that makes “the Hulk frightened of him”.
The England international midfielder is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery.
Nevin feels for the 23-year-old and hopes a man who already boasts plenty of power does not work too hard during a period of rehabilitation.
The former Blues winger told the club’s official website : “The serious injury to Ruben Loftus-Cheek was an unfortunate and grossly unfair price to pay for such a good deed by the club.
“He was just beginning to flower in the way that all of our fans want him to. It showed great character to battle for so long this season to finally become the first choice between him, Ross Barkley and Mateo Kovacic in that ’other’ midfield spot that isn’t Jorginho or N’Golo Kante.
“Everything just seemed to have finally slotted into place for Ruben and his game, and then this happened.
“I was already licking my lips at what he was going to do next season with his increasing power, improving game awareness, his burgeoning belief in his own ability, allied to a rest and then an entire pre-season under his belt. It looked like being phenomenal from day one.
“Now, however, there is a long lay-off with a difficult physical and mental slog back to full fitness. He has of course had other injuries before but these long-term ones are not the same, there is a different mind-set needed to get through it.
“I worry that if Ruben with his inbuilt power and physique gets too into the weights thing, by the time he is fit again the Hulk will be frightened of him!”