Chelsea yet to talk to Monaco as Falcao relapses

Radamel Falcao has suffered a relapse of a thigh injury, but Chelsea are yet to discuss with Monaco whether the striker will stay on loan at Stamford Bridge.

Falcao has scored only one goal and made only one Premier League start for the Blues, failing to feature at all since the end of October having suffered a thigh injury on the eve of the club’s Champions League tie against Dynamo Kyiv.

Guus Hiddink was hopeful of having Falcao available for at least part of the festive schedule, but the 29-year-old suffered a setback in a practice game at Cobham over Christmas and is now unlikely to play before the end of January.

“It’s the inside of his thigh and it’s the same now as it was before,” Hiddink said. “He’s having treatment at the moment but he cannot appear on the pitch. He was out and our medical staff tried to build him up but he had the setback, which is not a positive signal. We hope within 10 days he might be fit again but not to play. No.”

Chelsea were always expected to review Falcao’s loan arrangement with Monaco in January, but Hiddink claimed there has been no formal contact with the French club yet.

However, the Blues boss will not allow Loic Remy to join Aston Villa on loan and is also considering giving Patrick Bamford a chance after he ended his loan at Crystal Palace.