Chelsea hold winter recall option on Dortmund's Anselmino | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund could lose one of their summer additions earlier than expected, with Chelsea retaining the option to recall Aaron Anselmino during the January transfer window. 

According to reports from Sky Sports, a clause included in the loan agreement between the two clubs allows Chelsea to bring the 20-year-old defender back to Stamford Bridge in January. The provision is linked to a pre-agreed minimum number of minutes Anselmino was required to play for BVB. 

That threshold has not been met, meaning the option remains valid. Had the Argentine reached the agreed playing time, Chelsea's right to recall him would have expired. 

Anselmino was close to hitting the required minutes towards the end of the calendar year, with appearances against Freiburg and Borussia Mönchengladbach potentially enough to secure his stay. However, a thigh injury ruled him out of both fixtures. 

So far this season, the centre-back has featured in 10 of BVB's 22 competitive matches, accumulating 564 minutes. 

Anselmino is highly rated at Chelsea, with the club seeing him as part of their long-term plans.