Ruben Loftus-Cheek to undergo surgery after alveolar bone fracture

Ruben Loftus-Cheek will undergo surgery after sustaining a fracture of the alveolar bone in AC Milan's Serie A clash with Parma. The alveolar bone forms and supports the sockets of the teeth, and the injury could lead to a lengthy lay-off. Loftus-Cheek was clattered by Parma goalkeeper Edoardo Corvi as he jumped for a header; the 'keeper attempted to punch the ball away but made contact with the midfielder's jaw and he was stretchered off.

He did not lose consciousness but did lose teeth. The midfielder is set for surgery and could be sidelined for several months, all but ending his hopes of making England's squad for the World Cup in North America this summer. Milan will almost certainly be without him for their next match against Cremonese.

Sporting director Igli Tare had hailed him as "one of the most complete midfielders in Europe" in June, and in September Thomas Tuchel called him back into the England squad for the first time in six years; he was an unused substitute in the 5-0 World Cup qualifying win over Latvia.

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