The international break is now more than 60% of the way through: only the final matches remain, after which it will be time to turn their attention back to their respective clubs. Loftus-Cheek has stayed at Milanello, closely monitored by Amorim, with the aim of breaking down a wall that has grown increasingly higher in recent years: injuries and a lack of consistency. He is currently a reserve in the midfield pecking order and, when he comes on, he struggles to influence the game in the way he did during his first year in Italy.
Loftus-Cheek: a difficult situation to manage
If things continue like this, a contract renewal risks remaining nothing more than a talking point. Talks with the former Chelsea midfielder's representatives have never even begun and, at present, do not appear likely to get off the ground. The boos he received just five minutes after coming on against Lecce surprised everyone within the Rossoneri camp, and even more so the player himself, who appeared almost intimidated when it came time to get on the ball, as relayed via Milan Press.
The praise Loftus-Cheek received from Amorim during the friendlies has now given way to silence, reflecting a change in direction that has taken shape over the course of just a few months. In the pecking order, even Jashari is now ahead of him, not to mention the untouchable Rabiot and the careful management of Modric's experience, which needs to be handled with the utmost caution. Among the attacking midfielders and forwards, meanwhile, Pulisic has ended his long goal drought and Cisse is pushing to earn more playing time. For Loftus-Cheek, in short, this is not an easy situation to manage.
What to expect upon the October return
So far, he has made five appearances, three of them as a starter, but now that the attacking midfield is taking on a more defined shape, Amorim appears inclined to rely on other options. October's schedule, across Serie A and the Europa League, will be particularly demanding and Loftus-Cheek appears to have slipped down the Portuguese coach's pecking order. Being ready to help the team, therefore, will be crucial. Above all, though, he will need his body to hold up.
