Chelsea have recalled Lesley Ugochukwu from France’s squad for the Paris 2024 Olympics, just days before the tournament begins.
Although Ugochukwu did not make the final 18-man squad, the 20-year-old midfielder had been kept with Thierry Henry’s team as one of four replacement players.
These replacements are available to step in if any of the 18 squad members get injured.
However, on Friday, just five days before France’s opening match against the USA, the French Football Federation announced that Chelsea had requested Ugochukwu’s return.
“Lesley Ugochukwu leaves the Olympic selection,” the statement read.
“The midfielder is leaving the French Olympic Team this Friday, July 19, and will not be among the reserves for the Paris 2024 Olympic tournament.
“Following a request from Chelsea FC, Lesley Ugochukwu will permanently leave the French Olympic football team and will no longer be available as a reserve.
“The technical staff, who have made a request to the organisers to be able to replace him, are awaiting a response. The current group is therefore made up of twenty-one players.”
As the Olympics is not a FIFA-sanctioned competition, clubs are not obligated to release their players.
Chelsea had previously blocked Malo Gusto and Benoit Badiashile from joining Henry’s squad.
Ugochukwu, who was signed from Rennes for £23.5 million last summer, had a challenging debut season at Stamford Bridge.
He made only 15 appearances, including just three Premier League starts, and was sidelined for most of the second half of the season due to a hamstring injury.
His recall comes just as Chelsea are set to embark on their pre-season tour of the USA, and reports suggest that the club plans to loan Ugochukwu out this season.
There are reportedly three Premier League teams interested in him, which might explain the timing of his recall.
Meanwhile, France will kick off their Olympic campaign on Wednesday against the USA, with additional matches against Guinea and New Zealand. Despite several clubs blocking Henry from selecting their players, France’s squad remains strong with talents like Alexandre Lacazette, Michael Olise, and Jean-Philippe Mateta.