Photo by Harriet Massey/Getty Images
Photo by Harriet Massey/Getty Images
Of all of Chelsea’s loanees to Football League clubs, Ryan Kavuma-McQueen has made the biggest impact so far. The Portsmouth loanee has been heavily involved already.
Dastan Satpayev has earned praise from his Burnley manager; Wigan’s Reggie Walsh has made a solid start to life at Wigan, and plenty of others have caught the eye. Shim Mheuka too, north of the border.
But more than others, 17-year-old Kavuma-McQueen has been on fire for Portsmouth. The teenager has already opened his account for Pompey, and is likely to be involved with England’s youngsters this break.
However, such is the tumultuous nature of the Championship, Kavuma-McQueen suffered a horrific injury on Tuesday – much like Jordan Henderson’s. A double fracture after falling over advertising hoardings.
The right-hand injury left Kavuma-McQueen with a decision to make, and it is likely a decision that allowed him to feature on Saturday – albeit as a substitute during Saturday’s 2-0 win over Portsmouth.
Ryan Kavuma-McQueen makes decision on hand operation
As per BBC Sport reporter Dan George, Pompey boss John Mousinho says Kavuma-McQueen was told he could have an operation to fix the issue, or play while injured and wear a splint for the next eight weeks.
As Pompey fans will have seen when subbed on with 20 minutes to go on Saturday, Kavuma-McQueen was seen wearing a blue-coloured splint as he helped Portsmouth secure their second win of the season.
Lincoln City v Portsmouth - Sky Bet Championship 2026/27
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Chelsea’s loan scouts will love Kavuma-McQueen’s attitude
The easy option will have been to undergo surgery and miss the next month or two while he recovered. But Kavuma-McQueen is desperate to impress, having done so already. He knows this loan is crucial.
If he can impress and continue to score goals and create chances, he knows he could get a chance at Chelsea next season. Alonso’s faith in youth gives youngsters like Kavuma-McQueen a fighting chance.
Missing a handful of games would see Kavuma-McQueen potentially lose his place at Portsmouth, and his development would be affected. He realises this; choosing to play through the pain for Mousinho’s side.
Kavuma-McQueen has become a duel-winning monster
So far, Kavuma-McQueen has started three games for Portsmouth. His second against Bristol City, saw the Chelsea talent win seven of his 10 duels. His first outing saw him come on at half-time against QPR.
Chelsea v Port Vale - Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final
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A 3-1 home loss, but RKM won nine of 10 duels during his 45-minute outing. On Saturday, Kavuma-McQueen won three of his four duels, while sporting a broken hand. His attitude has been excellent.
He might hope to score a few more goals and lay on a few assists, but what Kavuma-McQueen is showing Chelsea is his impeccable attitude and fight. Alonso will be impressed by the winger, looking from afar.