In addition to the six first team players Chelsea is currently missing due to illness or exhaustion, Graham Potter may find himself in charge of a very different squad by the time Premier League action resumes in full in mid-January.
The Blues won't play again until December 27, but since that will be their final game of the year, attention will likely be focused on the transfer market rather than the results. Although the effects of the World Cup on commerce are still uncertain, Todd Boehly's apparent commitment to the SW6 renovation means that Potter can undoubtedly count on strong support.
In light of this, a change in shape might not be too far away. Chelsea now has four straight losses, including all four domestic matches and three in the league, but that is without the context of being without three first-team defenders, a world-class midfielder and balancing squad issues that go deeper than the current malaise on the pitch.
The Blues have known for several seasons that neglecting the midfield would cause issues down the line and that is exactly what has happened, though Reece James' absence has also seen an immense imbalance to the side. These will both be top of the to-do pile when the window opens, but another transfer opportunity may well have arisen as Cristiano Ronaldo spoke out about his Manchester United future.
The 37-year-old admitted to feeling 'betrayed' by the club and that senior executives wanted to push him out of Old Trafford. Chelsea have already been linked with the striker this year after he was offered to the club by agent Jorge Mendes. Todd Boehly was keen on the deal but Thomas Tuchel less so.
As Potter now approaches his first window, the Ronaldo question will be hard to avoid. Although he doesn't look like a Potter-type player, the draw to him as a goalscorer is obvious. Signing another player past their best and on a short-term deal wouldn't hit many of the boxes for a rebuild though.
With this in mind, football.london is taking a look into the crystal ball to see how Chelsea may look after the World Cup and with more money spent on the squad in January, including the signing of Ronaldo.
Once the World Cup is over Kepa Arrizabalaga should come back into goal as the first choice after demonstrating his skills over the past month. The Spaniard took advantage of Edouard Mendy's poor form and injuries to become the go-to man, his ability with his feet is also a must-have in Potter's system.
0 Comments