Lesley Ugochukwu started just three league games last season (Photo: Getty)
Chelsea have recalled Lesley Ugochukwu from France’s squad for the Paris 2024 Olympics – just days before the competition kicks-off.
Though Ugochukwu did not make France’s final 18-man squad, the 20-year-old had remained with Thierry Henry’s side as one of four replacement players.
These replacements can play at the tournament at any time should one of the 18 squad members get injured.
But on Friday, just five days before host nation France play their opening match against the USA, the French Football Federation announced that Chelsea had recalled their player.
‘Lesley Ugochukwu leaves the Olympic selection,’ a 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.
Chelsea want to loan out Ugochukwu (Photo: Getty)
‘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 a non-FIFA competition, clubs are under no obligation to let their players compete at the Olympics, with Chelsea already blocking Malo Gusto and Benoit Badiashile from being called up by Henry.
Signed from Rennes for £23.5million last summer, Ugochukwu struggled to make an impact in his debut season at Stamford Bridge.
Thierry Henry has been frustrated by clubs blocking players from going to the Olympics (Photo: Getty)
He made just 15 appearances under Mauricio Pochettino, including just three Premier League starts, missing almost all of the second-half of the campaign after suffering a hamstring injury in December.
His recall to West London comes just as the Blues are about to depart on their pre-season tour of the USA, but The Athletic report that Chelsea have plans to loan out Ugochukwu this season.
It is hoped that they can send him to another Premier League club, with three teams said to be interested in his services, with the recall perhaps a sign that a transfer is close.
In the meantime, France kick-off their Olympics campaign on Wednesday against the USA before taking on Guinea and New Zealand.
Many clubs have blocked Henry from calling up their players, though their squad still contains a lot of talent including Alexandre Lacazette, Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta.
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