Chelsea have recalled defender Trevoh Chalobah from his loan spell at Crystal Palace with immediate effect, football.london understands.

The Blues have activated the clause inserted in the 25-year-old's contract at Selhurst Park with Enzo Maresca's options at centre-back limited because of injuries. Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile are set for lengthy absences with their respective hamstring problems, leaving the Chelsea head coach with Levi Colwill, Josh Acheampong, Tosin Adarabioyo and Axel Disasi.

Chalobah will not be in the squad for this evening's match between Palace and Leicester City and will return to Cobham. Chelsea made the decision to loan the Cobham graduate last summer after he was left out of the club's pre-season tour of the United States.

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Over the course of his loan with the Eagles, Chalobah made 14 appearances in all competitions, where he scored an astonishing three goals. Palace boss Oliver Glasner said earlier that he was fearful and concerned Chelsea would make the decision to recall Chalobah from his loan spell.

"It's a tricky situation," Glasner explained. "I always want to be honest. Chelsea has the possibility to call him back from loan. There's a little bit of uncertainty at the moment: will they do it, when will they do it? We need clarity, he needs clarity.

"Let's see. Maybe Trevoh is involved or not. He wants to stay here, but it's a decision Chelsea can take. We are passengers; we are not the pilot who is flying the plane.

"My wish and Trevoh Chalobah's wish is that he stays with us. Chelsea loaned him to us to give him minutes, to improve his game. This is what he did. But I think he's not one finished - it's a one-year loan deal, but we'll see."

Chelsea remain interested in Palace defender Marc Guehi but a move this month now seems very unlikely given the decision to recall Chalobah. The Blues are long time admirers of Guehi, who left Stamford Bridge for south London in 2021 after coming through the club's academy system.

However, it always seemed a smoother move to bring Chalobah back rather than pay a substantial fee for Guehi, who Palace are determined to keep hold of, this month.