Radamel Falcao's immediate future seemed to get a bit clearer on Saturday, as Monaco Vice-president Vadim Vasilyev has confirmed that they will not be recalling their on-loan striker from Chelsea this January.
"Falcao is currently injured. He has six to eight weeks to go like that. We have decided not to take him back to Monaco for the moment."
-Vadim Vasilyev; source: PA Sport via ESPN
Monaco's assessment of the injury — for which Falcao supposedly traveled in person to the principality — is actually worse than what we had heard from Chelsea who are only expecting the striker out until the end of the month.
Either way, regardless of when his comeback will be happening, the one thing that doesn't seem like will be happening at all is an early recall. At least not to Monaco themselves. There are still some random (and perhaps quite unrealistic) rumors of MLS or Liga MX interest in Falcao, so if Chelsea can work something out, we might be able to move him on this month still. But probably not, despite all American outlets getting quite excited by the Columbus Crew rumors this week.
Meanwhile, instead of Falcao, Monaco are apparently intending to reinforce their low-scoring forward line with former Football Manager 2009 cheatcode Vagner Love.
"We are expecting Vagner Love to arrive this week. I hope we can make his signing official soon. It's a transfer with a contract of 18 months."
-Vadim Vasilyev; source: Goal
After many years in Russia with CSKA Moscow, the now 31-year-old Brazilian had been back in his native land last year, pacing Corinthians with 14 goals all the way to the Brasileirão title. Certainly sounds like a better option than Falcao!