Chelsea are at risk of delaying the development of one of their most promising young prospects following their refusal to send Josh Acheampong out on loan to Premier League rivals Crystal Palace.
The youngster burst onto the scene earlier in the season. His first senior goal came last year against Nottingham Forest during a 3-0 away win. Despite a promising start for the teenager, though, his first-team opportunities have since dried up.
Although Acheampong is capable of playing at centre-back and right-back and has featured in 17 games, in all competitions, this season, just six of those appearances have been Premier League starts.
Blocked by the Blues' bursting squad, which includes another nine defenders who all cover the same positions, Acheampong's progression has halted, and that hasn't been helped by Chelsea's latest transfer decision.
Chelsea stop Josh Acheampong from joining Crystal Palace on loan
Targeted by Crystal Palace, presumably as cover for the recently departed Marc Guehi, who joined Manchester City last month, according to The Guardian, Acheampong had the chance to move to Selhurst Park until the end of the season.
It doesn't look like Acheampong will be joining Oliver Glasner's men anytime soon, though. The Blues' decision makers have rejected the Eagles' approach and instead opted to keep their young number 34 at Stamford Bridge.
Now with the winter window's deadline fast approaching, it seems the 19-year-old's chance may have come and gone.
Likely to be frustrated by the clubs' refusal to allow him to gain more first-team experience, Acheampong, who has four caps for England's under-21s, could have benefited from a short-term loan with Palace.
Chelsea's recent decision to recall Mamadou Sarr another blow
Not only have Chelsea made it clear Acheampong isn't going anywhere, but their recent decision to recall Mamadou Sarr from his loan will surely be playing on Acheampong's mind.
Questioning just how far down Liam Rosenior's pecking order he is, Acheampong will probably be seeking assurances over his playing time from now until the end of the campaign.
Tasked with managing a massive squad, Rosenior has his work cut out to ensure all his players, including the upcoming youngsters, understand and are content with their roles.
For Acheampong, who has a contract until 2029, Chelsea may be able to delay his development for a little longer, but a decision over his future will surely need to be made in the summer, if not sooner.