Forward ends Premier League loan early, returns to Chelsea

Chelsea's Patrick Bamford hasn't been getting much action this season at Crystal Palace, where he was scheduled to spend the entire 2015/16 season on loan. I say 'scheduled', because on Monday, the striker has decided to terminate his spell at the London side in favor of a return to Stamford Bridge, due to a lack of playing time under Alan Pardew.

Clearly frustrated with the loan, Bamford had the following to say following a draw against Swansea City:

"It has been terrible. I would have been more content if I had been given a chance and not taken it. I haven't started a game in the Premier League, so for a young player like me that is not what you need."

"I was frustrated because there weren't many strikers scoring. Connor only scored his first goal last week."

"As a striker, it might be short-sighted of me but obviously scoring goals is a striker's job. If you are not playing and the other strikers are not scoring and you are not getting a chance, obviously I was pulling my hair out."

For now, Bamford will return to Chelsea, though it's unclear what his short-term future would hold. With the window opening on January 1, Chelsea would have the opportunity to use Bamford should they so choose, as the 25-man registered squad won't need to be named again until the transfer window closes. Using Bamford in a match would likely ensure he remains here for the remainder of the season, however, as he'd have then played official matches with two different clubs this season, limiting the Blues' options with what they could do with the young striker.

Regardless of what his future holds, getting away from Crystal Palace was probably the right move for the forward, who made only eight appearances while on loan. He started two Capital One Cup games for Alan Pardew's side, while making just six cameo appearances in the Premier League.