- Wesley Fofana could miss the rest of the Chelsea season with a hamstring tear
- The ‘bleus’ are weighing the decision to replace him with one of their loans
- LISTEN NOW: It’s all starting! New line-up, some new faces, but optimism has faded at Old Trafford
Chelsea are not ruling out recalling Trevoh Chalobah from his loan spell at Crystal Palace as they consider how to replace injured centre-back Wesley Fofana.
The versatile defender temporarily joined the Selhurst Park club in the summer window and has played an integral role in Oliver Glasner’s side so far.
Chelsea, however, have a withdrawal option as part of their deal with Palace and the Blues are understood to be considering exercising the clause following Fofana’s injury as an alternative to entering the transfer market.
France international Fofana will miss an extended period due to injury, with coach Enzo Maresca even suggesting he could miss the entire season.
Palace are believed to be aware of the fact that Chelsea are weighing up the possibility of bringing Chalobah back to London, and the Eagles are understood to be relaxed about the possibility.
Chalobah, for his part, is said to be keeping an open mind about the possibility of returning to Stamford Bridge, despite being effectively forced to leave the club in the summer.
Chelsea considering withdrawing Trevoh Chalobah from loan spell at Crystal Palace
The decision is being deliberated in light of Wesley Fofana’s recent long-term injury.
Enzo Maresca suggested Fofana could be out for the season after tearing his hamstring last month.
The defender was told he had no future at Chelsea this summer and was told to train outside the senior squad, so the prospect of a call-up would be a big turnaround.
Chelsea are open to adding a centre-back this month following Fofana’s injury.
Indeed, Mail Sport understands that recruiting staff have begun to evaluate external options, and primarily the potential costs of any transfer, as they consider dipping their toes into the market.
But with that in mind, returning to Chalobah represents a cheaper and more fluid option for the Blues.