Musonda set for another loan move after Celtic deal is scrapped

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Charly Musonda has returned to Chelsea after his loan spell was cut short.

The 21-year-old moved to Glasgow in January and was due to spend next season as well as the rest of this term on loan with the Scottish champions.

However, he made just two Premiership starts and has not featured for more than a month. He is expected to move elsewhere on loan next season.

Rodgers said: “I met with Chelsea on Monday after our game (against Aberdeen) on Sunday.

“In Charly’s contract there was a review at the end of the season, whether they wanted to take him back or however it was.

“The idea for Charly was to come and play as many games as he possibly could, and let’s review it at the end of the season.

“Between us both, we are thinking that he may not get the games that they would like him to get for next season.

“When I bring in young players, my job is to give them the environment and as much game time as we possibly can.

“He is a terrific young player but the level the team has been playing at, it has been difficult at times for Charly to get in.

“But there is no doubt he is a talent and I am sure that next year he will go on and hopefully get the games he wants.

“He was a joy to work with, a really good boy who wanted to learn, but he is not 18/19. He is at an age where he needs to be playing every week and, unfortunately, I couldn’t promise him that.”

Musonda, who had a spell on loan at Real Betis last season, has made seven first-team appearances for Chelsea, with three of them coming in the Premier League.

His most recent outing for the Blues came against Brighton in January, shortly before he joined Celtic.