Sports News of Friday, 1 January 2016

Source: ghanasoccernet.com

Atsu is back at Chelsea

Christian Atsu Christian Atsu

Ghana's talented winger Christian Atsu has returned to English giants Chelsea after being recalled by the Blues from a frustrating loan spell at Premier League rivals Bournemouth, insiders have told Ghana's leading football news website, GHANAsoccernet.com.

The 23-year-old's return to Chelsea is a massive boost in his career as he stand-in boss Gus Hiddink wants to consider the Ghanaian for selection as he was hardly used by the Cherries in his six-month stay at the newly-promoted club.

Atsu has already been thrown at the deep end at Chelsea as he has already started training with the Blues.

The Ghana international was on a standard loan agreement with Bournemouth which means the terms could be reconsidered during the transfer window.

With the window opening today in many countries in Europe, Chelsea have decided to take advantage of the law to recall the Ghana star who was originally loaned out for one season, just six months into the deal.

The Dutch trainer will observe him for some few days before deciding whether to allow him to stay and help Chelsea to battle relegation.

The coach could send him on another loan spell most likely in England, France, Holland or Portugal - where there is intense interest in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations best player - if he is not impressed.

Hiddink has recalled Atsu because the talented winger excelled during his one-season stay in Holland in 2014 and has received positive reviews about the player which has resulted in the decision to hand him another Chelsea chance.

Meanwhile Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has also confirmed that Atsu has returned to Chelsea following the frustrating loan spell.

Atsu was originally on a one-year season loan deal at the Vitality Stadium but the lack of playing time and injuries led to the Chelsea decision to recall him.

The winger made just two appearances for Bournemouth in the six months he has been at the club playing in the League Cup in the matches against Hartlepool and Preston.

A back injury and a stress fracture to his shin while playing for Ghana in September limited him but since recovering from those setbacks he has not been used by Bournemouth which led to the decision to recall him.

He returned to Stamford Bridge for treatment before rejoining Howe’s squad in training at the start of last month.