Chelsea midfielder sidelined until October, will not be heading out on loan

After a highly successful loan spell at PSV in the second half of last season, many expected Marco van Ginkel to at least get a shot at making the Chelsea first-team under Antonio Conte.  However, Van Ginkel was not chosen for either of Chelsea's two preseason tours this summer, suggesting that yet another loan was looming for the Dutch midfielder, with PSV waiting to welcome him back with open arms.

However, Van Ginkel's agent spoke out recently, claiming that despite PSV's keen interest to re-sign Van Ginkel, it would make no sense to force a move before Antonio Conte had a proper chance to assess the 23-year-old.  If all that sounds a bit confusing to you, you're not alone.

Here's Wulfert himself to tell us what's really been happening.

"I've actually been burdened for months by that irritation in my knee. That was also true during my loan at PSV last season. Yes, I can actually play and train regularly but it (the knee irritation) also happens regularly, and that bothers me. Wherever I play, I want to give my one hundred percent. That's why I choose to do this, just to be better."

"I will both be treated by and train at Chelsea. The games in the coming weeks, I will just let them go by. Therefore, under these circumstances it made no sense to return to PSV. I have already informed the club. If I feel fit again we look further. Who knows what might happen in January?"

- Marco van Ginkel; source: Wasserman

So, it would appear that Van Ginkel's unfortunate series of knee injuries continues, though this time he's not expected to miss more than a couple months and could be back by October.

Choosing to play through the irritation last season was probably not the best choice (though understandable, given PSV's title push); choosing to rest and letting it properly recover is much smarter.