Chelsea want to recall Patrick van Aanholt back from his loan at Newcastle United as soon as possible.

The ankle injury sustained by Ashley Cole has had a knock-on effect at United, with any hopes of extending Van Aanholt's one-month loan spell at St James' Park now seemingly over.

A Stamford Bridge spokesman confirmed to the Evening Chronicle that the young Dutchman is needed back at the "earliest opportunity" and that is scheduled to be after United's game at Watford at the end of this month.