Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca admitted they were stunned to learn of a loan star departing this week.

Chelsea's decision to cut short Cesare Casadei's loan spell at the Foxes has surprised many at the club.

Leicester, who are top of the Championship, were expecting to keep Maresca until the summer.

The Italian midfielder will now spend the rest of the season at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.

Casadei joined Chelsea in a £12.6 million move from Inter Milan more than two years ago.

“We were surprised Casadei went back to Chelsea," said Maresca to reporters.

“They own him so they can decide – we can't do anything.

“We didn't expect it but we deal with it and we see if we can do something before the transfer window closes."