As we enter the mid point of the season, the opening of the January transfer window gives opportunity for clubs to shake up their squads. For Chelsea, it comes at a convenient time, after a run of four games without a win.
Enzo Maresca will not be expecting many incomings given the curent size of his squad - though there are some standout dilemmas.
There are questions over the goalkeeping situation after a handful of nervy performances from Robert Sanchez, and there has also been rumours of reinforcement at the striker spot, after failed attempts to bring in a top name during the summer window.
Maresca may also welcome a defensive signing after injuries to several of his key players - though the club has been able to recall some loanees, providing a temporary fix.
The main priority of this window will be to offload several of Chelsea's fringe players, many of which have been unhappy with their lack of league minutes.
Here are six players who could leave the club this January:
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Ben Chilwell
Chelsea's vice-captain may look for an exit in this window, after continuing to be exiled from the Chelsea squad.
Maresca has opted for alternatives at left-back, with Marc Cucurella, Renato Veiga and Malo Gusto all filling the position.
The England international has not featured in a matchday squad since October; his only minutes coming in the second half of a Carabao Cup tie.
At twenty-eight, Chilwill is match fit and in his prime, and would be a valuable pickup for several clubs - Manchester United have emerged as a possible destination.
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Cesare Casadei
Casadei has been subject to a handful of loan moves since arriving in London two years ago, and might be set for a permanent switch after failing to properly settle at the club.
The young midfielder was recalled last January from his loan at Leicester City, and was convinced by Maresca to remain at the club and fight for his place when the head coach made the move to Chelsea.
He was a solid asset to the Blues as they qualified into the knockout rounds of the UEFA Conference League, but has since struggled for minutes in domestic competitions.
It is possible that Casadei could be the first to depart this window - Italian side Torino are keen on a deal, with Chelsea asking for at least £20m in order to turn a profit on the player.
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Carney Chukwuemeka
The former Aston Villa midfielder has struggled for minutes under Maresca, after a standout season last year during the Pochettino era of the club.
The signing of Joao Felix and the continued world class form of Cole Palmer has pushed Chukwuemeka further out of contention, and made a move away all the more desirable.
His unique skillset has made him a desirable target for several clubs, and Chelsea will hope to raise a fee close to his £40m release clause.
Villa are keen on resigning the player, with West Ham also interested.
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Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
He may have only joined Chelsea this summer, but Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall might be eying a loan move this month in search of more playing time.
Seen as an immediate replacement for Conor Gallagher, many would have pictured the former Leicester midfielder having a larger role in the Chelsea setup - especially under his former Leicester head coach, Enzo Maresca.
Sadly, that has not been the case, as the player has not managed a single league start this season, despite racking up two goals and one assist in Europe.
Chelsea could offer his talents to a host of Premier League clubs, with a reunion at Leicester City a possibility.
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Marc Guiu
A departure for Marc Guiu would largely depend on if Chelsea sign a striker during this window.
The Spaniard celebrated his nineteenth birthday with an appearance off the bench in the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace, and offers an alternative profile to Nicolas Jackson with his high energy press.
Maresca is also a fan, admitting after the game that he wishes he could give the youngster more league minutes, after being impressed by his goalscoring form in Europe.
However, Guiu has struggled to compete with the likes of Jackson and Nkunku for league appearances, meaning a loan move for the teenager would be a smart move if the Blues reinforce further in the striker position.
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Christopher Nkunku
Chelsea's top goalscorer in all competitions may look to take his talents elsewhere, if he continues to be sidelined.
Nkunku has been a reliable attacking asset for the club both domestically and in Europe, with his ability to play both up front and behind the striker.
However, a lack of playing time could motivate a move away, with several top European clubs registering interest for the former RB Leipzig forward, including Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Maresca has been vocal about wanting to keep hold of the player, but has also admitted that he would not stand in the way of any departures.
