Oliver Glasner is optimistic Crystal Palace will not lose Trevoh Chalobah this month.
The on-loan defender has been linked with a potential return to parent club Chelsea.
Those rumours were fuelled even further on Sunday as Chalobah missed Palace’s FA Cup third round clash with Stockport.
Glasner did not name 25-year-old in the matchday squad for their 1-0 win at Selhurst Park.
Explaining his absence after the match, the Palace boss said: “It’s not too easy to explain, but it’s a contractual issue we had to take care of, and this is why he didn’t play.”
Asked if Chalobah was unable to play in the FA Cup, Glasner added: “I’m not a lawyer, but I was told that it’s in this round.
“Let’s say it’s not that clear, to be honest. In this round, it’s better not to play.”
Chalobah is currently on a season-long loan from the Blues, where his contract runs until 2028.
During his spell with Palace, the centre-back has scored three goals in 12 Premier League appearances.
It’s been widely reported that Chelsea could recall Chalobah this month and pursue a move for his Palace teammate Marc Guehi, who used to be a Blues player.
However, Glasner is confident he will keep hold of both Chelsea academy graduates beyond the transfer deadline.
The Austrian told reporters: “I know (Chalobah) wants (to stay). I know we want [him to stay], and so I think yes. We still have (a lot of time) to go in the transfer window. Like always, everything can happen.
“But when you ask me, I want that we stay together with this squad. I know Trevoh wants to stay, I know Marc wants to stay.
“(Chalobah being unavailable), of course, it’s not what you wish, but as a manager, you have to deal with challenges the whole year.
“What is bad for one guy can be the chance for the other one, and so Chadi (Riad) got 90 minutes today, which was great to see, and so overall we were winning.
“For me, it’s forgotten because I have to focus on Leicester City and on the players, and I expect Trevoh being available and playing at Leicester.”
Glasner’s comments come after Enzo Maresca refused to rule out recalling Chalobah in midweek.
The Blues manager said: “Unfortunately I have to give you the same answer. Trev is a good player but in this moment he is a Palace player, so we will see.”
Chelsea are currently without both Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile through injury, with the former possibly out for the season.
Meanwhile, Palace were 1-0 winners over Stockport in Chalobah’s absence thanks to Eberechi Eze’s goal.
Their reward is a trip to League Two Doncaster in the fourth round next month.