Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has called on England to leave Ruben Loftus-Cheek out of their Nations League squad.

Loftus-Cheek, 23, was the driving force behind Thursday's 1-1 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League semi-final, first leg as he strives to put niggling problems with his lower back behind him.

But Sarri, who is likely to rest him against Watford, said: “We have to control him. I don't think he will need surgery, he probably needs a particular way of training — I think for a long period. Probably for ever. But I think we can avoid an operation.

“In the last month he has been able to train every day so for us it's really very important.

“Now he is fit and in this match he played very well. I'm really very happy with him."

Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate will have him in mind for June's Nations League finale in Portugal.

But Sarri, who dislikes international football, said: “I will be happy for him but I think it is better for him to try to recover completely."