New rival for Tosin as Chelsea recall Sierra Leonean-born defender from Crystal Palace loan

Through a statement on the club's official website, Crystal Palace have confirmed that Sierra Leonean-born central defender Trevoh Chalobah has returned to his parent club Chelsea.

The former England U21 international was supposed to spend the entire season at Selhurst Park but The Blues activated an option to recall him from his loan spell due to injuries in the defensive positions.

Central defenders Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile are sidelined with hamstring injuries and will not be available for selection for the upcoming games, while another Frenchman Axel Disasi is being linked with a transfer to Juventus.

The return of Trevoh Chalobah from his loan spell at Crystal Palace adds a new layer of competition for Tosin Adarabioyo at Chelsea.

Tosin will now battle for a spot in the centre-back position against Chalobah, Levi Colwill and Josh Acheampong. 

Due to Fofana's injury, the Nigeria Football Federation target started five of Chelsea's last eight Premier League matches, having started just two of the previous thirteen.

Chalobah, Colwill and Acheampong are products of Chelsea's Cobham academy, while Tosin arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer following the expiration of his contract with Fulham.

Before Fofana's injury, Tosin's appearances in the Premier League were limited but he gained valuable game time in cup competitions with eight starts out of a possible eleven. 

Tosin has netted three goals this season, matching his career-best tally in a single season since becoming a professional.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com