Chelsea trigger Trevoh Chalobah recall option in major blow to Crystal Palace | OneFootball

Blues invoke option to bring academy graduate back to Stamford Bridge

Chelsea have recalled Trevoh Chalobah from his season-long loan at Crystal Palace in order to ease their shortage of centre-backs.

Palace had become increasingly fearful of losing Chalobah in recent weeks after hamstring injuries to Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile left Chelsea short of centre-backs.

While recalling Chalobah at the halfway stage of his loan represents a quick fix for the Blues, Palace had been feeling left in the lurch over Chelsea’s thinking. Chalobah had established himself as a key player for Oliver Glasner’s side, starting 12 times in the Premier League for the Eagles.

He arrived at Selhurst Park on loan on deadline day in the summer after Chelsea decided he was not parts of their plans for the season under Enzo Maresca.

Academy graduate Josh Acheampong partnered Levi Colwill at centre-back for Chelsea in Tuesday night’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.

Chalobah, 25, did not wish to return to Chelsea this month, fearing he would not play as much game time as with Palace once Badiashile — due back next month — returns.

Speaking in his press conference yesterday, before Chelsea informed Palace of the decision to recall Chalobah, Glasner said: “It’s a tricky situation. I want to always be honest. Chelsea has the possibility to call him back from loan.

“There’s a little bit of uncertainty at the moment: will they do it, when they’ll do it. We need clarity, he needs clarity.

“Let’s see [whether he plays against Leicester on Wednesday]. Maybe Trevoh is involved, or not. He wants to stay here, but it’s a decision Chelsea can take. We are passengers; we are not the pilot who is flying the plane.”

Glasner added: “My wish and Trevoh Chalobah’s wish is that he stays with us. Chelsea loaned him to us to give him minutes, to improve his game. This is what he did. But I think he’s not finished. It’s a one-year loan deal. But we’ll see.”