Trevoh Chalobah has been recalled from his loan spell at Crystal Palace by parent club Chelsea, multiple reports have revealed.
Chalobah moved to Selhurst Park last summer on a contract until the end of the season, although Chelsea retain the option to terminate the deal in January if they wish.
The Athletic report that Chelsea have decided to activate the clause that sends Chalobah back to Stamford Bridge, with head coach Enzo Maresca in desperate need of reinforcements following injuries to Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile.
Maresca was previously questioned about the possibility of recalling Chalobah, but was reticent to answer and said he did not want to disparage Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner by talking about one of his players.
“I already said in the last press conference, he is a Palace player and I think that is a lack of respect. The reason why I think all managers always say the same thing is because he is a Palace player,” said the Italian. “If I start talking about Trev, it’s no respect for him [Oliver] Glasner, if Oliver starts talking about our players then it’s probably not good for me.
The 25-year-old is ‘expected to play an important role’ for Chelsea between now and the end of the season, potentially lining up alongside the ever-present Levi Colwill at the heart of Chelsea’s defence. Academy graduate Josh Acheampong was in the starting lineup for Tuesday 2-2 draw with Bournemouth but played just five games at senior level.
Chalobah will play no role Palace’s trip to Leicester City on Wednesday – Chelsea’s recall is immediate – ends his Eagles career after just 14 appearances. He previously spent time on loan at Ipswich Town and Huddersfield Town, when both sides were in the Championship, and also has experience of playing abroad after spending a year in France with Lorient.
READ THE LATEST PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS, RUMORS AND GOSSIP
