Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho has admitted that Gedson Fernandes could see his ill-fated stint in North London come to an early end.
The 21-year-old is on loan with the Lilywhites from Benfica until next summer but has barely taken to the pitch under Mourinho, with Fernandes still waiting for his first taste of Premier League action this season.
Amid the midfielder's lack of game time, Mourinho has insisted that Fernandes is welcome at Spurs, but he would understand and support the Portugal international if he decided to head back home.
Speaking to SportTV, Mourinho said: "For me it is never a problem, but a solution. 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."
Fernandes arrived in the English capital in January of this year but has only pulled on the Tottenham shirt 13 times in all competitions.