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2019 Emery Respects Loftus-Cheek Injury Takes Shine From
Chelsea’s Victory In Foxborough
22nd, ries appeared to become a reality
Maurizio Sarri’s pre-match wor-
May Mkhitaryan Decision during Chelsea’s 3-0 friendly win

| But Calls It ‘Bad over New England Revolution last
Wednesday night after Ruben
EXAMINER News’ For Arsenal Loftus-Cheek limped off with a sus-
pected ankle injury.
The England midfielder had to
be helped away from the pitch after
IRISH going down in the second half and
was later seen on crutches, raising
fears he will be out of action for the Blues’ Europa League final
against Arsenal.
Chelsea were in the US for a charity friendly as part of the
club’s Say No To Antisemitism campaign.
Prior to the fixture, Sarri lauded the trip’s purpose, but conced-
edthathefelthismenneededtorest:“Itisnotthebestwaytopre-
pare for the final, I think.
“As a coach, of course, I am a little bit worried because I know
very well that the team now needs rest.”
Nevertheless, the Italian fielded a strong starting 11 at the
Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, where owner
Roman Abramovich was in attendance on Wednesday night.
Ross Barkley got Chelsea off to a rapid start with the first of
two goals for the midfielder, finding the net in the third minute
with a ball intercepted from a clearance effort by Revolution
defender Jalil Anibaba.
Olivier Giroud put Chelsea up 2-0 just before the half-hour
mark, heading a cross from Davide Zappacosta.
Sarri made six changes at half-time, among them bringing on
Loftus-Cheek in place of Mateo Kovacic.
Barkley made it 3-0 for the visitors just after the hour, though
celebrations were short-lived after Loftus-Cheek went to ground
with an apparent injury minutes later.
After being helped away from the pitch, he was replaced by
Chelsea Academy Player of the Year Conor Gallagher.
New England managed to hold off Chelsea for the rest of the
match, including an attempt by Pedro from outside the box in the
nai Emery respects stand the political problems, ence in Europe, playing with closing stages.
the “personal” but I must respect (his deci- his national team, important Chelsea will play Arsenal for the Europa League title in Baku
Unature of Henrikh sion). games,” he said. “We are on May 29.
Mkhitaryan’s decision not “I spoke to him. I came preparing for every player to Prior to the New England friendly, Sarri had voiced concerns
to play in the Europa from the Basque country, be ready for the final. He’s over the timing of the trip to the US.
League final but concedes where we had a big political working, he’s trying, he’s “We go there for a good reason I think, so as a man I am very
it is “bad news” for his problem there, finishing five playing well and we need happy to go there,” he said.
Arsenal side. or six years ago. This is a very him. “As a coach, of course, I am a little bit worried because I know
The Armenian’s safety was personal decision; I cannot “(Cech’s) here because he very well that the team now needs rest.
a concern because of the dis- push him to come with us. deserves to be here. His com- “So it is not the best way to prepare for the final, I think.” C
pute between his country “For him and for me, it’s mitment to Arsenal is big. He
and Azerbaijan, the host very important to (have his) was playing the last (Europa Sarri To Discuss Chelsea Future
nation of next week’s fixture help with his quality and his League) matches, perfect After Europa League Final
between the Gunners and capacity, but these issues are matches, with big perform- Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri will discuss his future with the
Chelsea. out of my hands and I under- ances. I want to enjoy with
Despite receiving assur- stand 100 per cent.” him this final in his career. club following the Europa League final against Arsenal as he
ances aimed at allaying those Mkhitaryan’s absence, in “I’m a privileged coach to wants “to know if they are happy” with him.
fears, Mkhitaryan has chosen addition to that of the injured be with him. We’re going to Italian Sarri, who has two years remaining on his contract but
not to travel to Baku follow- Aaron Ramsey, who is use all our effort to win and who has been linked with a move to Juventus, insists he is content
ing discussions with the club departing for Juventus, to be together and enjoy this to remain at Stamford Bridge.
and his family. increases Mesut Ozil’s hopes final together. The boss said: “I have two years of my contract here. I have no
“I discussed this with of starting at the Baku “I trust and believe in him. contract with other clubs. I have to speak with my club after the
Mkhitaryan,” said the Olympic Stadium. I can use him, I can use Leno, final. I want to know if they are happy with me.”
Arsenal manager. “It’s a very Like Ramsey, Petr Cech but above all I want to enjoy Sarri, who admitted to being flattered by the link with Juve,
personal decision. He wants will not be at Arsenal next this with the players, and added: “I very much like the Premier League. At the moment it’s
to play with the team, but he season, having taken the (what is) a special moment the most important championship in the world. It’s very exciting
spoke with his family and decision to retire at the age of for some players. to be here but now it’s time to think only about the final.”
decided not to go. 37, but Emery hinted that “I spoke with Aaron Asked if he was happy to remain at Chelsea, he replied: “I’m
“It’s bad news, but we can- despite losing his first-team Ramsey, who’s injured, but very happy to stay in the Premier League, with Chelsea, one of
not do anything about these place to Bernd Leno, the vet- it’s the same with Petr Cech. the most important clubs in the Premier League.
issues. It’s a very, very per- eran goalkeeper is likely to I want to be with him (for) “I’m very, very happy but we have to discuss the situation. It’s
sonal decision and we need start. his last match, playing or
to respect him. I don’t under- “Ozil has very big experi- not.” C normal.Youhavetodiscussthingswiththeclub.It’slikethis.”C