Chelsea activate Trevoh Chalobah recall clause just hours before he was due to play for Crystal Palace against Leicester
CHELSEA have recalled Trevoh Chalobah from his Crystal Palace loan just hours before the Eagles’ match against Leicester.
The centre-back was shipped off on loan to Selhurst Park last summer after being deemed surplus to requirements by Enzo Maresca.
But the Athletic claims Chalobah is now set to play an “important role” after being brought back to Stamford Bridge.
The versatile centre-back had become a big player for Palace after returning from injury.
He was in line to start tonight’s league clash against Leicester, having already played 14 times under Oliver Glasner while scoring three goals in the process.
But it’s claimed that Palace did not stand in the way of Chelsea’s decision to recall the 25-year-old.
And the Stamford Bridge hierarchy are said to “appreciate” Palace’s handling of the situation.
As for Chalobah, could now slot straight into Chelsea’s XI alongside Levi Colwill following injuries to several Blues stars.
Wesley Fofana could be out for the rest of the season with a fresh hamstring blow.
While Benoit Badiashile is also sidelined for the foreseeable with a thigh problem.
Axel Disasi is also thought to be in talks over a transfer exit and was left out of last night’s squad for the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth.
It meant Chelsea only had Tosin Adarabioyo and youngster Josh Acheampong available to partner Colwill.
But Chalobah’s return shores things up for the Blues at the back.
And it likely rules out the need for a new centre-back purchase, with Chelsea having been linked with Palace captain Marc Guehi.
It marks an incredible U-turn for Chalobah, who was axed to Chelsea’s ‘bomb squad’ over the summer.
Training alongside other misfits like Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell, Chalobah was left out of the Blues’ pre-season tour to the US.
Now, he could be the man who helps saves Chelsea’s season after a five-game winless run.
Maresca’s men have picked up just three points from the last possible 15, throwing their title credentials into disarray and now leaving them in a dogfight for a top four finish which appeared a certainty a month ago.