Tottenham Hotspur head coach Jose Mourinho has suggested that midfielder Gedson Fernandes' loan spell in north London could be drawn to a close in January.
The 21-year-old, who started his career at SC Frielas, joined Spurs on an 18-month loan from Portuguese giants Benfica back in January, with the London club handed the opportunity to turn the deal into a permanent one should the midfielder have made a telling impact.
However, Fernandes has struggled to make a name for himself in north London, being restricted to just 13 appearances since signing not far off a year ago, with just one of those outings having come this season.
With that in mind, combined with Mourinho's options in the centre of midfield, it seems unlikely that Fernandes will get the opportunity to force his way into the first-team fold on a regular basis anytime soon.
Now, Mourinho, who will be aiming to lead his side to a victory over Manchester City when the two sides meet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next weekend, has hinted that Benfica are mulling over the prospect of recalling the youngster.
"For me it is never a problem, but a solution," Mourinho told SportTV, as quoted by Sky Sports.
"Having him in the squad, even if he is not called up and not playing, is an extremely comfortable situation.
"I will never be the one to push him or say that I don't want him here. But I understand the situation of the kid and Benfica.
"If the club wants to end the relationship here, we will be here to collaborate, because we want the good of the player. Benfica has the power to decide and will be accepted by us."
Of the 13 appearances Fernandes has made for Spurs, only seven of them have come in the Premier League. He has not scored or claimed an assist during his time in north London.
