Chelsea will not send promising defender Alfie Gilchrist out on loan this month despite being interested in signing the 20-year-old on a short-term deal.
The youngster, who plays as a central or right-back, has played three Premier League matches and two more cup competitions this season.
His only start came in the 4-0 FA Cup win over Preston North End earlier this month, where he dispossessed a full-back against the Championship side.
The Standard reports that Gilchrist is out on loan this month but Chelsea are set to keep him in the first team while his injury continues.
Fitness issues have plagued Mauricio Pochettino’s side this season and continue to do so with several players sidelined.
The Blues next face Middlesbrough in Tuesday’s League Cup semi-final and will be without Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Marc Cucurella, Romeo Lavia, Christopher Nkunku and Robert Sanchez through injury, while Nicolas Jackson is out. in the African Cup of Nations.
Gilchrist was sent off in the first leg at Middlesbrough, which Chelsea lost 1-0.
Chelsea are open to further loan moves for youngsters, according to the report. Goaltender Lucas Bergstrom, quarterback Dylan Williams and defenseman Zak Sturge are available this month.
Pochettino told Sky Sports last month about possible arrivals at Stamford Bridge in January: “The sporting director and we are constantly discussing and evaluating – if we have to do something, we are ready. The pressure is always to bring in young talent and we have different goals – with experience, inexperienced, some younger than others and that is necessary to give the team what it needs.
“We must be open to describe the situation. Communication with the owners is always very good, we share everything. It is about sharing ideas; we need each other to express our vision so that it is a positive statement for the club.
“If we have to add, we will make the best decision for the club together.“
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