This was disclosed by the French Football Federation (FFF) which stated that has been released from the France’s Olympic squad to rejoin Chelsea.
However, Ugochukwu was part of first 18-man squad for the Olympics but was dropped, only to be kept as one of the four standbys.
If clubs want, they can even request their players to return without delay because football match is not a part of FIFA schedule.
Lens midfielder Andy Diouf is still a reserve player and has gone back to his club but the move will not affect his status at the team.
However, the FFF claims Chelsea has removed Ugochukwu from the release list with immediate effect, thus available for pre-season workouts.
The explanation for why such a decision was made by Chelsea is still unknown.
The 20-year-old saw no summer game-time for France favourites before the new club season starts.
A statement from the FFF said:
“The midfielder is leaving the French Olympic Team this Friday, July 19, and will not be among the reserves for the Paris 2024 Olympic tournament. Following a request from Chelsea FC, Lesley Ugochukwu will permanently leave the French Olympic football team and will no longer be available as a reserve.”
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Chelsea’s pre-season fixtures begin this Thursday with a match against Wrexham at the StubHub Center in California.
Ugochukwu featured in only 15 matches for Chelsea in the previous season and was out of action for most of the second half after sustaining a hamstring injury.
He signed a seven year contract from Rennes to join Chelsea but in fact started only three Premier league games before he was injured.
Ugochukwu could now become part of Enzo Maresca’s summer planning when on the USA tour with Chelsea.
If he does so, then he might offer summer cover for Conor Gallagher, who will return to the squad after the Euro 2024 tournament.
There has been much speculation on regarding Gallagher’s future.
Chelsea will continue to tussle within the set spending laws laid down by the Premier league and may have to trade academy players for other players that will offer them pure profit under the profit and sustainability rules system.
Gallagher might be considered, while Trevoh Chalobah is another player, and Ian Maatsen, who was sold to Aston Villa for £37. 5 million.
