Conor Gallagher might have feared a return to Stamford Bridge could have jeopardised his place on England's plane to Qatar for the World Cup.
There were certainly naysayers who feared the midfielder's development would be stifled in a more competitive and demanding environment at Stamford Bridge, compared to the settled spot he smoothly found at Selhurst Park on loan with Crystal Palace last term.
Although things did not start smoothly for Gallagher this season, he remains an exciting prospect given the mood around Chelsea is pretty downbeat heading into Christmas.