Chelsea recall pair from Reading for assessment

Mark Holmes
Lucas Piazon: Chelsea recall midfielder from Reading loan

Lucas Piazon: Chelsea recall midfielder from Reading loan

Chelsea have recalled Michael Hector and Lucas Piazon from their loan spells at Reading to assess whether they are ready for the first team.

With Reading in mid-table in the Championship, out of play-off contention and clear of relegation danger, Chelsea have decided the young pair would be better served seeing out the season back at Cobham.

However, Jamaica international defender Hector, 23, and Brazilian midfielder Piazon, 22, will not be eligible for selection in the Blues’ remaining four Premier League fixtures under caretaker boss Guus Hiddink, a story on the club’s official website stated.

Hiddink will make way at the end of the season, with Antonio Conte joining as head coach once Italy’s European Championship campaign is complete.

Their assessment is likely to determine if they should stay with the first team next season, or be made available for a further loan.

London-born Hector signed from Reading on a permanent deal at the end of the 2015 summer transfer window but was immediately loaned back to the Championship side. He has made 35 appearances for the Royals this season.

Piazon, who joined Chelsea in August 2011 and has a handful of first-team appearances, has scored five times in 27 appearances for Reading this season.

Royals manager Brian McDermott told his club’s official website: “I’d like to thank Chelsea Football Club for letting us have Lucas and Michael on loan this season.

“Michael is a player I have known for a long time now and his is an amazing story. He has been at Reading for six years now and after so many loan spells with lower league teams, he has now found himself at one of the biggest clubs in the world.

“Another amazing story that football tends to throw at you.”