Chelsea recall Chalobah from Crystal Palace loan

Chelsea have activated a clause to recall defender Trevoh Chalobah from his loan spell at Crystal Palace.

Chalobah joined Palace on a season-long loan deal in August, going on to make 14 appearances for Oliver Glasner’s team across all competitions.

After injuries to Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile limited Enzo Maresca’s options in the heart of defence, reports suggested Chelsea could bring the 25-year-old back to provide additional cover.

Palace boss Glasner said on Tuesday that Chalobah wished to remain at Selhurst Park while hinting his late withdrawal from Sunday’s FA Cup win over Stockport County was to prevent him from being cup-tied.

In a statement released after Chelsea exercised his release clause, Palace said: “Everyone at the club would like to thank Trevoh for his hard work and achievements in red and blue and wish him the very best for his future.”

Chalobah has previously been made available for transfer by Chelsea in recent seasons, but the defender has reportedly been given assurances that he will get first-team minutes upon his return to Stamford Bridge.