Trevoh Chalobah made a surprise return to Chelsea this month to provide an extra option in defence.
Chelsea decided to recall Trevoh Chalobah, 25, from a season-long loan at Premier League Crystal Palace earlier this week.
Chalobah is expected to leave Chelsea permanently in the summer, but he’s back at Stamford Bridge to help in the second half of the campaign.
The centre-half is in good form because he’s playing on the right of a back three at Palace, so will he be able to go straight into the Blues line-up?
Head coach Enzo Maresca is trialing different options in the heart of defence ever since Wesley Fofana picked up another long-term injury. Could Chalobah be the perfect partner for Levi Colwill at centre-back in the coming months?

Jason Cundy makes prediction about Trevoh Chalobah at Chelsea
Jason Cundy is hopeful that Chalobah will be a success on his return to Chelsea. Interestingly, he does predict that the English defender will slot straight into the starting line-up because he suits the current system.
Cundy told talkSPORT: “The system that Maresca plays, in possession, we are three at the back because of that inverted full-back. I think Trevoh on that right-hand side can play that role, which is kind of amazing when you think about the players he’s had in there…
“I feel desperately sorry for Trev, but what a chance to come back. I think he does start. I think he starts because of the system he plays. Trevoh has played a three at Palace; he played a three at Chelsea. I think we’ll see him on that right, stepping into playing that wide receiver. Good luck to the boy. I hope he does himself proud.”
Maresca assured Chalobah he’ll get a first-team role at Chelsea after ending a successfully loan spell at Palace prematurely.
Even though the Blues are still alive in a couple of cup competitions this season, Chalobah should be bitterly disappointed if he’s not handed regular league minutes, something he was receiving at Selhurst Park.

While Chelsea’s treatment of Chalobah in the last 12 months is pretty poor, it’s a testament to the player that he’s back. We’re confident that he’ll deliver consistent performances when called upon, too.
The Cobham academy graduate proved in Palace colours this campaign he’s a reliable enforcer in defence in England’s top division.
Appearances | Goals | Pass accuracy | Tackles won % | Interceptions | Yellow cards | Average rating |
12 | 3 | 79.8% | 80% | 19 | 1 | 7.10 |
Chelsea may have to wait until the summer to get Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, but the return of Chalobah does give them a quick solution in a struggling defence. The fact that he should be able to slot in pretty seamlessly from day one in a familiar environment is a big plus.