The January transfer window gives Graham Potter the chance to mould the Blues squad in his image, but who will be deemed surplus to requirements?
January is a time for resolutions, making changes and starting afresh, and Chelsea seem set to adopt that notion of renewal as they ring in the new year.
The month could bring the first stage of a squad overall at Chelsea in 2023, as the fat is trimmed from a bloated squad and new owner Todd Boehly continues to splurge his riches with a flagrant disregard for what outsiders may think.
In the weeks leading up to the window, manager Graham Potter had the unique opportunity to work closely with those members of his squad who were not involved in the World Cup for an extended period, away from the glare of the public eye and media scrutiny.
He should now have a good idea of who and what he needs to add to his squad, and who has become surplus to requirements.
Here are GOAL's six players who could well depart Stamford Bridge in January…
Getty ImagesHakim Ziyech
Although his influence waned as the tournament progressed, Ziyech placed himself front and centre of the shop window as he made history with Morocco in Qatar.
The wide man has long been linked with AC Milan having flattered to deceive since swapping Ajax for west London in 2020, and his languid style would suit the slower pace of Serie A.
However, Ziyech's performances at the World Cup will also have served as a reminder to Graham Potter of exactly what he is capable of, and an impactful cameo against Nottingham Forest on New Year's Day could mean he is set for a run in the team.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesChristian Pulisic
Pulisic was used sparingly by his manager before the World Cup, but his strong showings in Qatar with the United States have immediately made him a more prominent figure in Graham Potter's thinking.
Nevertheless, if this run in the team comes to an abrupt end like so many others before it, ambitious Pulisic has intimated that he is prepared to seek a move away in order to secure regular game time.
Speaking in December, the American said: "Right now I'm absolutely back at Chelsea. Focused and ready to finish the season. But you know how things work in football. Things change quickly and anything can happen."
Getty ImagesEdouard Mendy
Mendy's name being among those on this list would have been inconceivable a matter of months ago.
The goalkeeper was out of form and injured when Potter was installed at the helm, and he has paid the price. Potter turned to Kepa Arrizabalaga in his absence and has stood by the Spaniard in the weeks since when picking his strongest XI, with Mendy restricted to a back-up role.
The Champions League and AFCON winner is unlikely to settle for playing second fiddle, and Milan has been rumoured as a possible destination on a short-term deal as they seek cover for injured Mike Maignan.
Getty ImagesCarney Chukwuemeka
Carney Chukwuemeka's unexpected summer transfer to Chelsea was greeted with much fanfare as the Blues gazumped a number of top European clubs to sign the exciting talent from Aston Villa.
Things haven't worked out yet, though, with the star of England's glorious Under-19 European Championship campaign rarely afforded an opportunity under either Thomas Tuchel or Potter.
The 19-year-old is on the fringes of the first team but well down the pecking order, so a loan is surely being considered behind closed doors – especially at such a crucial stage in his development. There would no doubt be a queue of Premier League suitors.