Enzo Maresca has suggested that Chelsea did not think twice about exercising a recall option in Trevoh Chalobah's contract with Crystal Palace.
On Wednesday, it was confirmed that the academy graduate would be returning to Stamford Bridge in order to help with Chelsea's defensive issues.
As well as Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile being sidelined, speculation persists that Renato Veiga could soon be heading out on loan.
Chalobah had been impressing during his stint at Selhurst Park, making a total of 14 starts having established himself as a regular in Oliver Glasner's back three.
However, that form has ultimately led to Chelsea officials choosing to reunite themselves with a player who also starred during the second half of 2023-24.
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"He knows the house better than me"
During the summer, it quickly became apparent that Chalobah did not feature in Maresca's plans after he was left out of the squad for the pre-season tour of the United States.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference on Friday, Maresca insisted that the decision to omit the 25-year-old from his squad was for a variety of reasons, including Chelsea's position with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations.
The Italian said: "Quite easy process in terms of we have a few injuries and we were looking for a solution. The best solution was to call back Trev because we know him and we know he can help us.
"He knows the house better than me - he was born here! He is very happy. I had a chat with him a few days ago and this morning. He is very happy to be here.
"The reason why he left was because of this kind of problems, financial and these kind of things, not only a technical decision."
He added: "I think Trev trained with us until we flew to the USA. When we went to USA, he was here.
"I had a chat with Trev two days ago and this morning. He was doing well there and this is the reason why we call him back."
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Chalobah in line to face Wolves?
Maresca also revealed on Friday that there were as many as four fresh injury doubts for Monday's Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
With one of those issues involving a centre-back, Chalobah could plausibly be handed an immediate opportunity in the back four.
That said, Chalobah has not made an appearance since Palace's 2-1 victory over Southampton on December 29.
Darren Plant
