Chelsea are considering ending the loan of Andrey Santos at Nottingham Forest.
The Brazil U20 captain has managed just one start with Forest so far this season.
The Athletic says a break clause for January is included in the arrangement and the Blues are now considering triggering it.
Midfielder Santos is yet to play a single minute in the Premier League with his only appearance coming in Forest's Carabao Cup loss to Burnley.
The loan includes financial penalties for Forest if Santos isn't played, but the youngster has struggled in the step up from the Brasileiro Serie B.