diff --git a/reactor-pool/src/main/java/reactor/pool/SimpleDequePool.java b/reactor-pool/src/main/java/reactor/pool/SimpleDequePool.java
index 84517d5..6702de5 100644
--- a/reactor-pool/src/main/java/reactor/pool/SimpleDequePool.java
+++ b/reactor-pool/src/main/java/reactor/pool/SimpleDequePool.java
@@ -415,6 +415,7 @@ private void drainLoop() {
 						 *=======================*/
 						Borrower<POOLABLE> borrower = pendingPoll(borrowers);
 						if (borrower == null || borrower.get()) {
+							poolConfig.allocationStrategy().returnPermits(permits);
 							continue; //we expect to detect pool is shut down in next round or the Borrower was cancelled
 						}
 						if (isDisposed()) {