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Chelsea have had a request to recall a loan star REJECTED amid Thomas Tuchel's selection dilemma at left wing-back.
Ben Chilwell is set to undergo surgery on his damaged knee, with the Blues desperate for cover ahead of the second half of the season.
Marcos Alonso is Tuchel's only recognisable left wing-back as the German eyes a replacement for the England international.
Reports had suggested that the Premier League side were keeping tabs on Everton's Lucas Digne ahead of the transfer window reopening on Saturday.
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But the club tried to bring back Emerson Palmieri from his loan spell at Lyon, but to no avail.
That's because the Ligue 1 team turned down Chelsea's request, with no formal recall clause in the agreement, per L'Equipe via Get French Football News.
The Italian international, 27, has played a bit-part role for Chelsea since signing for them in 2017.
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He's only made 33 appearances in the Premier League, with the player enjoying a loan spell away from Stamford Bridge this term.
For Lyon, he's played nine league games and scored one goal.
Tuchel has voiced his displeasure at the current situation and fumed at his side's 1-1 draw with Brighton on Wednesday.
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He said: "A draw about right? Absolutely not. We had the better chances and a clear penalty. Very disappointing and very frustrating.
"We are struggling but we have again two injured players. If the ref does not want to give a penalty when it is a clear 100% penalty. Everything against us.
"100% it is a penalty, you ask the ref not me. Our players are Injured. I told you what would happen weeks ago. Same thoughts, I told you.
"Sure, we are tired, if you had been in bed for 10 days and played Premier League after that you would be tired."
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel, Football