Gabriel Slonina returns to Chelsea after Barnsley loan cut short

01/02/2025 06:00 AM

Gabriel Slonina’s hand injury has led to his return to Stamford Bridge.

Slonina has returned to parent club Chelsea from EFL League One side Barnsley, the clubs announced Wednesday. The American goalkeeper originally joined Barnsley last August and proceeded to make 14 appearances across all competitions.

However, a finger/hand injury suffered in November has sidelined Slonina since then.

"It's disappointing to have to say farewell to Gaga,” Barnsley FC Sporting Director Mladen Sormaz said. “We hoped to see him play a lot of games for Barnsley this season. However, the injury came at a bad time and unfortunately, that is the nature of the industry. His professionalism and work ethic have been outstanding, and we wish him well for the future."

The 20-year-old earned EFL Cup Player of the Round honors after an impactful Barnsley debut. Slonina made two penalty saves in a 4-2 shootout result over Wigan Athletic, while fellow American Donovan Pines scored the only goal for Barnsley in a 1-1 regulation scoreline.

Slonina spent all of last season at Belgian side Eupen in his first European experience since moving to England from MLS’ club Chicago Fire.

A promising U.S. men’s national team prospect, Slonina will now have to wait and see what the immediate future holds for him. Should he make a full recovery from his injury this winter, Slonina could be loaned out again by Chelsea for the final five months of the European season.

Chelsea has four goalkeepers in its first team ranks and remains very much alive in the English Premier League title race.