Chelsea are reportedly unable to recall Billy Gilmour and Conor Gallagher during the January transfer window.

The two youngsters were loaned out to Norwich City and Crystal Palace respectively in the summer with the prospect of spending the campaign at those two clubs.

However, Chelsea's recent issues in the centre of the pitch have thrown up the possibility of one or both of the pair returning to Stamford Bridge next month.

According to The Athletic, that can no longer happen with the duo having each made enough appearances at the Canaries and Eagles respectively.

At one stage, Gilmour appeared the most likely to have his spell at Carrow Road cut short, but the Scotland international has started five games since the arrival of Dean Smith during the November international break.

Gallagher has been a revelation at Palace, contributing six goals and three assists, and the newly-capped England international will now spend the season in South London.