By Prince Narkortu Teye
Ghana winger Christian Atsu has reverted to owners Chelsea, loan club AFC Bournemouth have announced.
The injury-ravaged attacker has seen a spell of persistent injuries cut short his intended season-long loan with the Cherries, having failed to make a single appearance in the English topflight.
“Everyone at Bournemouth wishes Ghana’s Christian Atsu the best of luck after he was recalled by Chelsea,” the newly-promoted side tweeted on Sunday afternoon.
Atsu joined Bournemouth in May after a largely unsuccessful loan spell at Everton but had to wait until late August to make his competitive bow in a 4-0 thrashing of Hartlepool United in a League Cup encounter due to an injury picked up in a pre-season friendly with Yeovil Town.
Another injury while on international duty in early September meant that the nimble-footed player had to wait until September 22 to make his second and last Bournemouth appearance in a League Cup fixture with Preston North End.
Atsu returned to full training in November but it appears Chelsea foresee a change of environment a possible panacea to the winger’s woes.
The former Feyenoord Academy trainee had previously been loaned to Dutch side Vitesse Arnheim where he arguably had his best ever season in Europe, scoring five times in 28 appearances and being adjudged the club’s Player of the Season.
He has also had stints with Portuguese side Rio Ave as well as FC Porto from whom he joined Chelsea in 2013.