Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel admits Ruben Loftus-Cheek's form this season has been a bonus.

The 25-year-old impressed again when he came on against Norwich a week ago on the back of strong starts against Brentford and Southampton in the league.

It is an added bonus that Loftus-Cheek plus Ross Barkley and Malang Sarr, who were not necessarily part of the main plans for the season right at the start, have proved themselves solid squad members.

"I'm super happy with Ruben," says Tuchel. "Obviously he deserves to play and he did some pretty strong minutes and matches for us.

"I love that he took the chance and what he brought to the team. It's a huge challenge to play regularly in central midfield for our club because there are guys like N'Golo, Jorgi and Mateo who proved it over a longer time in this club. This cannot be turned completely upside down after two or three good matches but he's on his way.

"Malang Sarr, Ross Barkley and he brought something to the group when they had no pressure. They were happy to be here to do this first step to be a fixed member of the squad so they were full of positivity, full of good energy and it is a big credit to them how they did it.

"There will come a time where things feel more normal to be in this group and you're not only happy if you just get 20 minutes. Then they have to prove that they can keep the same spirit and same level.

"Ruben did a huge step up from the start of the season until now and the route is not finished. He has to proceed."