Despite not playing for Chelsea since September 2013 and not playing a single minute of competitive action since May 2018, midfielder Marco van Ginkel is in line to sign a new contract at Stamford Bridge.
Once one of the Netherlands' most exciting youngsters, Van Ginkel has suffered horribly with injuries during his time with Chelsea. His debut campaign was cut short by a knee injury, and he has spent over two years recovering from his latest ailment.
His current contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and given his lack of impact on the first team, the 27-year-old was expected to be released when his deal ran out, but Van Ginkel told AD that he is currently in talks over fresh terms.
"My agent Karel Jansen is discussing a new contract with the club," he revealed. "I am very happy with that sign of trust from Chelsea.
"It is not without reason that a club tries to keep you in such an uncertain time after such a long injury period. Apparently they still see something in me, although we still have to get out. If I succeed, I expect to be able to return to Chelsea's Under-23s in the short term. Otherwise I will be transfer-free in the summer and we will look further."
Van Ginkel, who starred out on loan with PSV Eindhoven between 2016 and 2018, added that he is almost ready to return to full training, admitting that he even hopes to return to competitive action with Chelsea before the season ends.
“I have worked hard to get back and I can handle four or five training sessions a week," he explained. "In March I was almost ready to join the group and I was allowed to enter the duels in training, but then the coronavirus took hold. Maybe I can still play a few times in a match this summer."
However, for Chelsea, it seems like this could just be an attempt to preserve Van Ginkel's value. PSV are still keen on signing him and the Dutchman left the door open to a return to the Eredivisie.
"I follow my previous clubs well and no matter what happens, at PSV I will always feel at home," he said. "In the coming weeks we will see what the future will bring. First run a few good weeks, with a few times a match. Then I can be of real value again somewhere."
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Source : 90min