Chelsea’s season of woe continued with the news that they have been hit with a transfer ban for the next two windows by FIFA after being found guilty of breaching rules about signing minors.
The club will not be able to register any new players until the summer of 2020 after breaching regulations surrounding the signing of 29 players under the age of 18.
This could very well mean Chelsea finally put faith in their talented youngsters and recall a number of them from their respective loan spells.
talkSPORT.com takes a look at those players who could benefit from this situation.
Tammy Abraham – on loan at Aston Villa
Chelsea’s striking problems have been well documented over the past two seasons since the departure of Diego Costa, with Alvaro Morata failing to convince and Gonzalo Higuain simply a short-term solution.
Still only 21, Abraham has previous Premier League experience, having spent a season on loan at Swansea City and while he impressed, his efforts were not enough to save them from relegation.
Despite playing in the Community Shield for Chelsea, Maurizio Sarri sent the forward out on loan, this time to Aston Villa where he has excelled, scoring 20 times in 26 matches.
The Blues have had far worse players than Abraham lead their line and it would not be inconceivable to see him spearhead Chelsea’s attack at some point in the future.
Charly Musonda – on loan at Vitesse
When the diminutive Belgian scored against Nottingham Forest on his Chelsea debut in the Carabao Cup in 2017, he was reduced to tears during his celebration.
Perhaps members of the current squad could do well to display that kind of passion and remember what it means to play for the club.
An exciting, nimble attacker, Musonda has since been loaned to Celtic and is currently with Vitesse.
While it has been a frustrating start to the 22-year-old’s career, he could live up to the promise and hopefully return to Stamford Bridge.
Ola Aina – on loan at Torino
The ever-improving full-back took the decision to move to Italy, after only managing 17 minutes of action during pre-season under Sarri.
His favoured role at right-back is currently occupied by Cesar Azpilicueta and Davide Zappacosta. Should the latter be sold, a return to the club, where has made three-first team appearances, could very well happen.
Reece James – on loan at Wigan
The versatile 19-year-old has been with Chelsea’s academy since he was six and he is showing his capabilities with Wigan. His displays have had Blues supporters urging for his return as they seek to change up their options at full-back.
James, who has also deputised in midfield with ease this season, has outlined his future plans as returning to Chelsea and it would be one that would excite fans if he is to be given a deserved chance.
Fikayo Tomori – on loan at Derby
The 21-year-old defender has been extremely impressive this season in what is his third loan spell away from Chelsea.
During a Carabao Cup clash between the two teams earlier in the season, Tomori scored an unfortunate own goal, but recovered to put in an assured display.
Fans from both Chelsea and Derby have raved about his performances this season and the Premier League side would be foolish not to give him an opportunity sooner rather than later.
Blessed with strength and pace in abundance, Tomori is also comfortable on the ball and shares qualities similar to Antonio Rudiger.
Mason Mount – on loan at Derby
A regular under Blues legend Frank Lampard, Mount is surely destined to one day follow in the footsteps of his boss and play for Chelsea and England.
His early season form earned him a shock call-up to the senior squad in October and despite a dip in form due to niggling injuries, Mount is highly regarded at both clubs.
The 19-year-old possesses good dribbling skills, vision and is capable with both feet, while also scoring his fair share of goals.
A midfield of Mount, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and N’Golo Kante is one Chelsea fans pray comes true.