Ruben Loftus-Cheek has spoken publicly for the first time since sustaining horrific facial injuries during AC Milan’s Serie A fixture at the weekend.
The England midfielder took to Instagram to share graphic photographs showing his condition before and after emergency surgery, including images revealing missing front teeth and significant facial swelling.
The 30-year-old wrote: “It was a tough blow, but the worst is behind me. A heartfelt thanks to all the medical staff who supported me over these past hours with professionalism and care.
“A special thanks to all the fans for your countless messages of love and support: I’ve read them and they’ve given me incredible strength.”
He added: “Thanks to my team-mates: We are a team, we are a family.
“Now, forward towards our goals, strong and united, together.”
The former Chelsea star was challenging for a cross when he collided with Parma goalkeeper Edoardo Corvi during the aerial duel at the San Siro on Sunday evening.
Loftus-Cheek was left in a bloodied state and required extensive treatment on the pitch before being fitted with a head and neck brace.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek was transported to hospital following a frightening collision | GETTYThe 30-year-old was subsequently stretchered off just 11 minutes into the match and rushed to hospital.
Medical assessments confirmed he had suffered an alveolar fracture – damage to the ridged section of the jaw containing the tooth sockets – along with losing multiple teeth in the sickening incident.
Milan went on to lose the fixture 1-0.
The Italian club released an official statement confirming the severity of the injury and subsequent treatment.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has spoken publicly for the first time since sustaining horrific facial injuries
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INSTAGRAM/RLC
The club said: “AC Milan announce that Ruben Loftus-Cheek suffered a significant facial trauma yesterday, which resulted in a fracture of the alveolar process of the jaw.”
The statement confirmed the midfielder underwent surgery at the ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo hospital, performed by Dr Luca Autelitano, with the procedure to stabilise the fracture proving entirely successful.
Loftus-Cheek has since been discharged, though faces approximately eight weeks on the sidelines.
This timeline means he will be unavailable for England’s forthcoming friendly internationals against Uruguay and Japan scheduled for late March.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek was called up to the England squad for the first time in six years
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GETTUThe enforced absence raises questions about Loftus-Cheek’s prospects of making England’s World Cup squad for this summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Thomas Tuchel recalled the midfielder to the national setup last September, ending a six-year international exile when he came on as a substitute against Wales in October.
That appearance was his first for the Three Lions since 2018, taking his total caps to 11.
Loftus-Cheek has previously spoken about his versatility as a potential asset, having operated in deeper and more advanced midfield roles under Tuchel at Chelsea and Milan respectively.
