Mauricio Pochettino has explained why he decided to recall Cesare Casadei from loan before the end of the season.

Casadei was on a season-long loan with Leicester City, and was set to finish the season with them, before he had it cut short by Pochettino.

The 21-year-old was also a regular feature for the Championship side, but has barely played a game since he returned to Stamford Bridge.

Speaking on the reason for recalling the Italian midfielder, Pochettino told a press conference on Friday: “I think it was a tough decision because he was playing at Leicester and we didn’t want to cut his development.

“But with the injuries to Lavia and Ugochukwu, it was needed.

“If you see the squad, it’s only Enzo and Moises, and Conor, and then not another real midfielder.”