AC Milan are reportedly considering sending midfielder Mario Pasalic back to Chelsea in January, less than a month since signing him on a season-long loan.
The Croatian ace arrived on deadline day and would have hoped for a fresh start in Italy having struggled with various injury problems since February.
According to Calciomercato, the 21-year-old is unlikely to get that opportunity at the San Siro, as the Rossoneri are set to send him back to Stamford Bridge in a couple of months time.
It’s down to the fact that Pasalic has ultimately fallen down the pecking order with Vincenzo Montella, although it’s slightly unfair considering his only opportunity to impress was in the friendly against Bournemouth earlier this month.
Nevertheless, having fallen behind the likes of Manuel Locatelli and Andrea Poli as well as the usual starters, and with Mati Fernandez and Andrea Bertolacci still to return from injury, it’s unlikely that Pasalic will get the regular playing time that he desires.
In turn, he’s now expected to return to London in the new year, bringing a disappointing and early end to his spell in Milan.
Given that he will be faced with a similar situation in west London, it’s expected that Chelsea will look for an alternative loan deal for him in the second half of the campaign if he does indeed return.