Chelsea ponder recalling Trevoh Chalobah from Crystal Palace loan

Chelsea are contemplating the early recall of defender Trevoh Chalobah from his loan spell at Crystal Palace, according to The Athletic.

Prompted by injury problems to Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile, Chelsea are currently a bit short of options at the back and have recalled Aaron Anselmino from Boca Juniors.

Chalobah, who joined Crystal Palace on a season-long loan in August 2024, has been a regular first-teamer, making 12 Premier League appearances and scoring three goals.

A product of the famous Cobham academy, Chalobah made 80 appearances for Chelsea prior to his temporary exit due to lack of game time having been limited to 13 league games last season.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner has expressed a desire for the Englishman to remain at Selhurst Park but is powerless to stop a January exit thanks to the break clause inserted by Chelsea.

It remains to be seen how open Chalobah would be to returning to Stamford Bridge after he was barred from using first-team facilities last summer when he was deemed surplus to requirements.

Following Axel Disasi’s shambolic display in December’s 2-1 defeat to Ipswich Town, Enzo Maresca handed Josh Acheampong a first league start against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

While the 18-year-old gave a good account of himself, Chelsea are expected to target further reinforcement in defence as they look to weather the storm off the back of a tough run of results.

From a position of strength that prompted talks of a potential title challenge, Chelsea have picked up just two of the last 12 points available and currently sit fourth in the Premier League table, with several teams around them closing in.

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