What is the meaning of "loan spell" in its soccer context? Why "spell"?
And Chelsea got off to a positive start under Mourinho by beating the All Stars -- who shocked United in Bangkok last week -- 1-0 courtesy of a Romelu Lukaku first-half penalty.

Kevin De Bruyne was a chief threat on his debut, after returning from a LOAN SPELL at Werder Bremen, and he whistled a thunderous shot past the uprights on 23 minutes.

Question

What is the meaning of "loan spell" in its soccer context? Why "spell"?
And Chelsea got off to a positive start under Mourinho by beating the All Stars -- who shocked United in Bangkok last week -- 1-0 courtesy of a Romelu Lukaku first-half penalty.

Kevin De Bruyne was a chief threat on his debut, after returning from a LOAN SPELL at Werder Bremen, and he whistled a thunderous shot past the uprights on 23 minutes.

Answer

spell (noun) meaning number 4. an indefinite interval or space of time: Come visit us for a spell.