Chelsea have confirmed the end of Diego Moreira’s loan spell at Lyon, with the 19-year-old winger now returning to Stamford Bridge.

Moreira joined on a free transfer from Benfica during the summer and featured in the Carabao Cup second-round victory over Wimbledon in August, while he was also on the bench for a Premier League clash with Luton Town before heading to France.

With Lyon, however, Moreira would manage just nine appearances in all competitions, starting four times in Ligue 1 for a side who are firmly locked in a relegation battle this season, and his loan has now been cut short.

Having already represented two teams this season in competitive games – Chelsea and Lyon – Moreira can no longer play for another side and will therefore stick around Mauricio Pochettino’s first team, perhaps seeing some minutes at Under-21 level.

Just how impactful Moreira will be over the second half of the season remains to be seen, but his Lyon exit could be crucial for Chelsea as they seek to reshuffle their loanees this month.

Chelsea entered January with a full quota of overseas loans but the returns of both Moreira and striker David Datro Fofana, who has since joined Burnley, gives the Blues extra flexibility to send players on loan away from the Premier League.

Ian Maatsen has since taken one of those spots with his move to Borussia Dortmund, and the likes of Andrey Santos, Trevoh Chalobah and Malang Sarr appear prime candidates to take up the remaining place.

Chelsea already have Kepa Arrizabalaga, Angelo, Romelu Lukaku and Gabriel Slonina out on loan across Europe, while Hakim Ziyech’s temporary stay with Galatasaray is understood to include a conditional obligation to make the move permanent next summer.