RoyHodgson has revealed Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s loan spell at Crystal Palace could be cut short due to a clause in their agreement with Chelsea.
The 21-year-old midfielder was sent out on a season-long loan spell over the summer but the Blues have the right to recall him early if they feel he isn’t getting enough playing time.
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Loftus-Cheek has impressed during his time at Selhurst Park, scoring his first goal for the Eagles and second ever in the Premier League on Saturday in a 2-1 win against Stoke.
Before the youngsters goal-scoring showing Hodgson said: “I have a feeling that they have the right to call him back if he is not playing enough games or featuring in enough games, which is a good clause.
“If you are loaning out players who you believe in to get playing time, and the clubs aren’t using the player, then I think you are entitled to bring them back.
“I think that clause exists. That is, I suppose, a risk for us. If we suddenly decide we don’t want to use him then he could go back.”
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With his path blocked at Stamford Bridge, the Chelsea academy graduate linked up with the Eagles in an effort to find regular playing time while still in a Premier League environment.
Despite being sidelined with an injury in September, Loftus-Cheek has appeared in nine of Palace’s 13 league games this season, and has earned senior international recognition in the process.
With the Eagles struggling at the bottom of the table Hodgson acknowledged the threat of losing a highly-rated talent, but doesn’t see his playing time being an issue.
He added: “We are enjoying having him with us and using him in our team, so I don’t think I have to fear that at this moment in time.”
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Chelsea star Willian has urged the Blues boss to recall the youngster after his impressive debut for the Three Lions.
The Brazilian midfielder said: “I don’t know why he is at Crystal Palace now, he has to come back.”
Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton has also shown his support for Loftus-Cheek saying the youngster is better than rival No10 Cesc Fabregas.
Chelsea are keeping a close eye on their young star’s situation as they struggle with consistency in the midfield with Danny Drinkwater battling injury while fellow new addition and big-money signing Tiemoue Bakayoko is yet to justify his £40million price tag.