Frank Lampard provides fresh update on Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has confirmed that Ruben Loftus-Cheek has started training with the Under 18 squad and he will start working with the senior side in the coming weeks.

The England international has suffered a couple of setbacks since his operation for a serious Achilles injury last season and this has delayed his comeback to first-team action.

It was initially predicted that he could return to the playing field by December but that has certainly not happened with Loftus-Cheek needing more time for his rehabilitation.

Speaking ahead of the Newcastle United game, Lampard has now confirmed that Loftus-Cheek has started training with the Under-16s and Under-18s and he could link up with the first-team in a few weeks' time.

"He is actually training now with the Under-16s, with the Under-18s, and progression to the under-23s in a pretty short space of time. the sooner he can be back training with us, the better, but we train with a real intensity," he told.

Chelsea have a testing challenge at Newcastle United in the Premier League this weekend. The Blues have not always enjoyed the trip to St James' Park and they have a win percentage of less than 30 percent at the stadium in the Premier League era.