Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has given his verdict as to whether Andrey Santos or Lesley Ugochukwu could return to Stamford Bridge in January.
A wide array of Blues players are currently being linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge at a time when injuries have started to negatively impact the options available to Maresca.
Of players who have been in the Italian's plans, Axel Disasi and Cesare Casadei appear most likely to leave, while Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have spent several weeks on the sidelines.
As a result, Trevoh Chalobah has already been recalled from a loan stint at Crystal Palace to try to resolve issues in defence, and scope remains for Chelsea to replicate that decision in midfield.
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Santos, Ugochukwu recalls an option?
Ahead of Monday's Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Maresca has revealed that Romeo Lavia and Enzo Fernandez have emerged as fitness doubts.
That inevitably led to the Chelsea boss being questioned over the possibility of recalling Santos or Ugochukwu from their respective loan stints at Strasbourg and Southampton respectively.
However, as quoted by the Daily Mail, Maresca has insisted that it is currently not under consideration, saying: "No, because we don't know if it's a problem for Enzo or Lavia, just that we don't know if they'll play against Wolves."
If Lavia and Fernandez are not available to face Wolves, Maresca faces a dilemma over who to play alongside Moises Caicedo with Renato Veiga - despite speculation regarding his future - seemingly the most realistic option.
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Could Chelsea benefit from Santos, Ugochukwu recall?
Of the two, Chelsea supporters feel that Maresca should be giving serious thought to integrating Santos into his squad in January, rather than in the summer.
The 20-year-old has been one of the standout performers in Ligue 1 this season, contributing six goals and one assist for Strasbourg in 17 appearances.
His current side are on a five-match unbeaten streak, their latest result seeing them draw 1-1 away at Marseille on Sunday evening.
Meanwhile, Ugochukwu - the same age as Santos - has nine starts and seven substitute outings to his name at Southampton, his best performances coming at Manchester United and Nottingham Forest last week.
Darren Plant
