Chalobah was reluctant to return to simply make up the numbers in Maresca's squad. He has been assured that he has a role to play

Chelsea have revealed which shirt number defender Trevoh Chalobah will wear following his return from loan at Crystal Palace. Chalobah was deemed surplus to requirements last summer and was not part of manager Enzo Maresca’s plans for this season.

Chelsea are likely to sell Trevoh Chalobah in the summer if he wants to leave. Chalobah has been recalled from his loan at Crystal Palace to help ease the defensive shortage at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea co-sporting director Paul Winstanley called the 25-year-old on Tuesday night to inform him that he was being recalled early.