Head coach Thomas Tuchel has suggested that he has no plans to use Ruben Loftus-Cheek as a long-term option in defence.
The midfielder was deployed in the centre of a back three against Luton Town on Wednesday night, the academy graduate impressing as the Blues recorded a 3-2 victory in the FA Cup fifth round.
With the 26-year-old down the pecking order in his trademark role, it is plausible that he may feature in defence in the future, but Tuchel feels that the England international is better suited further up the pitch.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Tuchel said: "It would not be the first time that a situation like this is a foundation for a new position. He did very well. After a shy start, he grew into the match and found his top performance.
"Still, what he did in the final 20, 25 minutes in the single six position, I think this is his best position to have the most influence because then he can impose his dribbling, driving with the ball and his physicality a bit higher up the pitch, but he did well."
Loftus-Cheek has made a total of 10 starts and 12 substitute appearances in all competitions this season.
