Chelsea defender Michael Hector has joined Eintracht Frankfurt on a season-long loan, both clubs have confirmed.
Hector was included in Antonio Conte's first team squad for preseason trips to Austria and the United States, but is still waiting to make his first senior appearance for Chelsea after moving to Stamford Bridge from Reading in a £4 million deal last September.
The 24-year-old, a boyhood Chelsea fan who came through Reading's academy, spent the 2015-16 season back on loan at the Madejski Stadium and will now continue his development in the Bundesliga with Eintracht, who narrowly avoided relegation after finishing 16th last season.
WELCOME, MICHAEL HECTOR!#wiescheeee #SGECEL 2-1 pic.twitter.com/888A4hyhNe
- Eintracht Frankfurt (@eintracht_eng) August 14, 2016
Hector's move leaves Conte with just seven senior defenders to call upon -- a list that includes academy youngster Ola Aina and U.S. defender Matt Miazga, who is also expected to leave Stamford Bridge on loan after missing an open training session at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
Earlier this week, sources told ESPN FC that Brazilian youngster Kenedy, the other first team name absent from the Stamford Bridge open day, has emerged as a loan target for Watford and both clubs are in advanced talks over a deal.