Chelsea consider recalling Mamadou Sarr as Rosenior hunts centre-back cover

Chelsea are reportedly looking to recall Strasbourg loanee Mamadou Sarr as head coach Liam Rosenior seeks extra centre-back cover ahead of the February 2 transfer deadline, according to Fabrice Hawkins. The club have also been linked with Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, but that deal is proving difficult.

The Blues are short in defence with Tosin Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill injured. Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana are currently Rosenior’s first-choice pairing, while Benoit Badiashile and Josh Acheampong have also been deployed this season. Earlier this week Chelsea recalled Argentine centre-back Aaron Anselmino from his loan at Borussia Dortmund.

Rosenior, who swapped Strasbourg for Chelsea earlier this month, said strengthening the squad before the deadline is a "priority": "The priority is to make the squad as strong as possible for the rest of the season... It is a possibility. Every area." He added he did not want to bring players in "for the sake of it." Rosenior has previously praised the 20-year-old Sarr after working with him at Strasbourg, joking the defender’s nickname was "Mamadou Rosenior" and calling him "my son." Sarr played 28 times for the French side last season and Rosenior said last June: "His temperament, his athleticism, his ability on the ball… he’s got everything you need to be a world-class centre-half." According to the report, talks are ongoing to terminate Sarr’s loan at Strasbourg so he could return to Stamford Bridge.

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