USMNT youngster Gabriel Slonina to return to Chelsea to recover from finger injury after starting season with Barnsley

Chelsea have recalled 20-year-old U.S. youth international Gabriel Slonina, who is currently nursing a finger ligament injury. Sources confirmed to GOAL that Slonina will undergo treatment for that with Chelsea in London, although that injury has turned out to be worse than originally feared. The injury may not be fully healed in time for the close of the January transfer window, which could impact the prospects of another potential loan.

Slonina had joined League One side Barnsley this summer, making 14 appearances for the club before suffering the injury in November. He started the first 12 league matches of the season while also winning Carabao Cup Player of the Round for his performance against Wigan Athletic in August.

However, prior to the injury, the American had been dropped for a period by manager Darrell Clarke due to a "dip in form", with Matty Craig stepping into his spot in the XI.

The news was first reported by Felix Johnston.

With the right sort of move either in January or in the summer, Slonina could find himself in the USMNT goalkeeper race, which could very well open up in 2025.

Matt Turner is the incumbent but isn't getting regular minutes at Crystal Palace. Last camp, Turner was joined by Columbus Crew rising star Patrick Schulte, veteran Zack Steffen and Barcelona youngster Diego Kochen.

Slonina, meanwhile, is familiar with USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino due to a brief overlap at Chelsea. He has yet to be called in under the new coach, though. The goalkeeper has set his sights on a World Cup spot, saying that his top goal is to be the starter in time for 2026.

Slonina became the youngest-ever goalkeeper to play for the USMNT during his first and so far only cap in January 2023.

Slonina will return to Chelsea as he awaits a new loan. The Blues are next in action on Monday when they face Ipswich Town.