Chelsea boss dismisses rumors of recalling Southampton's super sub in 3-2 defeat | OneFootball

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has dismissed potential rumors of recalling loanee Lesley Ugochukwu back from Southampton in January.

Recently, Southampton lost 3-2 to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. Though the outcome wasn't surprising at all, it might have instilled a hope of confidence among Southampton fans.

After conceding thrice within the first half, the Saints pulled two back, showing character till the very end. Unlike the last time against Manchester United, boss Ivan Juric's substitutes did a convincing job here.

One such substitute hero was Lesley Ugochukwu.

Coming in for Flynn Downes in the second half, the 20-year-old did everything he could against Nottingham. Registering an assist while guarding the defence, Ugochukwu was one of the best players last night.

In fact, not just against Nottingham Forest, the Chelsea loanee had been excellent against Manchester United as well. Clearly, Ugochukwu's recent performances present him as a potential option for many clubs.

However, contrary to this, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca's verdict on him is different.

Chelsea boss dismisses rumors of recalling Southampton's super sub in 3-2 defeat

Currently, Chelsea is facing midfield uncertainties. With their star players, Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia injured, they had been rumored to call their prodigy Ugochukwu from loan.

But, surprisingly, as per the Daily Mail journalist Kieran Gill, Enzo Maresca denied the chances of any such possibility in his latest media address.

Upon being asked whether the club is planning to call Ugochukwu back, Maresca said: “No, because we don’t know if it’s a problem for them (Romeo Lavia and Enzo Fernandez), just that we don’t know if they will play the next game.”

Going by Enzo Maresca's words, Ugochukwu looks certain to continue with the Saints until this season. This might be a blessing in disguise, given the way the French pivot has been playing.

If Ugochukwu can deliver such performances in a lackluster midfield, just imagine what he could do when paired up with a creative playmaker.

The mere thought of this is exciting. Hoping that Gronbaek's signing sparks the Southampton midfield.