Chelsea recall Nathan Ake from loan spell at Reading

Chelsea have recalled youngster Nathan Ake from Championship club Reading after coming to the end of his month-long loan spell at the Madejski Stadium.

The 20-year-old made five appearances for Steve Clarke's side, twice winning the man of the match award against AFC Bournemouth and Birmingham City.

Ake also featured in the league games against Cardiff City, Blackpool and Blackburn Rovers and despite Reading failing to win any of those games during his spell he returns to Chelsea with his reputation enhanced.

Reading, who are guaranteed survival, have three Championship fixtures remaining against Brentford, Rotherham and Derby County but the Netherlands Under-21 international will be unable to take part.

The defender missed the FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal due to being ineligible but the Royals were able to excel in his absence as they took the Premier League side to extra time before Alexis Sanchez's winner.

"Chelsea have asked for Nathan back so he goes back to Chelsea," Clarke said. "We thank them for allowing Nathan to come and I think everyone has seen in the five games that he has played that he's a top player, and that he's got a very bright future ahead of him."

Writing on Instagram, Ake added: "Thank you for Motm again. I want to say thank you Reading for everything. Thank you to the manager, staff the players and the fans! Been a pleasure! Back to Chelsea now."

Though Ake's return to Stamford Bridge comes at the back end of the season, with Chelsea just two wins away from claiming the title manager Jose Mourinho could have first team opportunities in mind for the youngster.

Victory against Arsenal and Leicester City in the coming week would secure the championship for the Blues but with four games to follow Ake could yet be given a chance to impress in the top flight.

Crystal Palace, Liverpool and Sunderland all travel to West London before the end of the season while the club's penultimate game comes against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns.

During three years as a professional at the club, Ake has made four top flight appearances for Chelsea, the most recent coming in 2014 against Cardiff City.