Chelsea have recalled David Datro Fofana from his loan spell at Union Berlin.
The 22-year-old striker had been expected to join Sevilla on another loan, but that move is now in doubt after Ian Maatsen agreed to join Borussia Dortmund.
Fofana’s return to Chelsea freed up an international loan spot for the club, which will allow Maatsen to join Dortmund until the end of the season.
But Fofana could be unable to join Sevilla due to FIFA regulations, which were implemented at the start of last season to stop clubs from stockpiling talent.
Not including players under the age of 21 and who have been at the club for three years, clubs are limited to sending seven players out on loan at one time.
Chelsea have Maatsen, Hakim Ziyech, Romelu Lukaku, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Gabriel Slonina, Diego Moreira and Angelo Gabriel out on loan.
Fofana only joined Chelsea last January and will be 22 by the end of the season, so is not exempt from the loan limit.
Sevilla must wait to see if Chelsea can cancel another loan move or sell one of those seven players currently filling their limited loan spots.
Real Madrid have an option to buy Kepa in their loan agreement for the goalkeeper and Roma know they can buy Lukaku on a permanent deal for £37million at any time. But the Italian club cannot currently afford such a fee.
