Willian: I don't know why Ruben Loftus-Cheek is at Crystal Palace now

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Vaishali Bhardwaj16 November 2017

Willian says he doesn't understand why Ruben Loftus-Cheek is at Crystal Palace rather than at Chelsea this season, but has tipped the midfielder to enjoy a "great future".

Loftus-Cheek, 21, is spending the current campaign on loan at Premier League strugglers Palace where he has gained regular playing time despite suffering with a groin and thigh strain in the early stages of the season.

His form and regular starts at Selhurst Park resulted in England manager Gareth Southgate handing the midfielder his debut for the national side against Germany last Friday - with Loftus-Cheek impressing to the extent that he picked up the man of the match award at Wembley.

The 21-year-old was subsequently forced off against Brazil with a back injury on Tuesday, and will now miss Palace's upcoming game against Everton on Saturday.

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Despite the minor setback, however, Chelsea winger Willian believes Loftus-Cheek is set for a bright future and said the Blues must bring the midfielder back to the club.

"I don't know why he is at Crystal Palace now," Willian told reporters after Brazil's goalless draw with England.

"He has to come back!

"He is strong, he has quality. He has a great future."