Thomas Tuchel thrives in these conditions, even if it isn't how he would choose to prepare for matches.
The German has become renowned for his tactical creativity and ways of overcoming adversity. He has already proved, with a brilliant performance against Tottenham, that his side are more than capable of raising themselves during certain periods, but getting the best out of his team for matches they are expected to win has been a struggle.
Against Leeds United on Sunday Tuchel will have a chance to continue a good start to the new league season, but he will also have to do it without two of his first-choice midfielders. Due to an injury for N'Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic's fitness not yet putting him in a position to return to action, there has never been a better chance for Conor Gallagher to announce himself, but that could bring Tuchel's own creativity out in force once more.
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Between Kovacic and Kante last season the pair played in 37 league matches, whilst Jorginho had a role in 26 on his own. The Croatian's injury record is perhaps even more concerning than his teammates, having only played 16 matches, the lowest since he joined the club. Chelsea haven't lost any key players since last season in the midfield which means that Tuchel may well already have his answer, but more often than not he has been able to focus on any given mixture of Kovacic, Jorginho and Kante.
With that now in doubt Tuchel will have to try something different, but there are still plenty of options. Here are some of the most likely ways that Chelsea's midfield could look on Sunday:
Add a bit of energy
Chelsea might not have brought in any immediate first-team midfielders, though this does represent the best chance for Carney Chukwuemeka to break into a spot having not made the bench yet since his transfer from Aston Villa, but they do still have plenty of choice.
Gallagher came back off loan from a season where he would have been the second top-scorer for Chelsea in the league. In most other squads he would be straight into the side with no questions asked, and he still might be. But there are tactical nuances which make Gallagher's introduction a touchy subject.
Albeit Chelsea already look a better side now than they did in pre-season, the Jorginho-Gallagher pivot was one that didn't work in the 4-0 loss to Arsenal. It was in a back four, which remains another way Tuchel might go, but there isn't a built-up relationship between the pair which has been so important for the midfield duo in any system for Tuchel.
His double-pivot is the foundation to control matches and has to be disciplined, another area that Gallagher still needs to prove he can hit. The 22-year-old is more than good enough technically and dynamically he is a similar presser to Kante, but alongside Jorginho - who has his defensive foibles - Gallagher would have a lot to prove.
The change of shape
Unfortunately for Chelsea fans they haven't seen more of the 4-2-2-2/3-4-1-2 flexibility that has only been rolled out for fixtures against Tottenham. It worked to a great extent at Stamford Bridge and could be used again against Leeds.
Without Kante to partner Jorginho in the double-six of both formations, Chelsea could again use Gallagher who would be able to roam around, and could have Ruben Loftus-Cheek or Reece James used at wingback. If it was James, he could slot into wingback with Azpilicueta at centre-back, moving to midfield when on the ball, Azpilicueta to right-back and then Gallagher into one of the forward midfield roles.
The other choice is to keep Gallagher in with Jorginho and then use Loftus-Cheek at wingback and attacking midfield with James as the versatile centre-back and orthodox fullback. This might be the most likely option.
The formation shape could yet be how Tuchel ended against Tottenham with Loftus-Cheek partnering Jorginho - though he was next to Kante against Spurs - for physicality in a back four.
The youth inclusion
Chelsea could also use new signing Cesare Casadei. The Italian has only just joined the club from Inter Milan but is extremely highly-rated and might make an immediate impact on the squad, possibly being called up in a squad role.
Alongside Chukwuemeka, the pair could add some young legs to Tuchel's options, but most likely from the bench.
The rogue James option
If Tuchel wanted to keep the current shape and go with a currently more trusted player in the middle of the park then he has a readymade general in James. The fullback has all the attributes to move into midfield at some point in his career and would offer the physical presence and technical ability in a midfield two with Jorginho, meaning Loftus-Cheek remains at wingback.
This could also work the other way round with Loftus-Cheek starting alongside Jorginho in the double-six and James and wingback, that would mean bringing the experience of Cesar Azpilicueta back in at centre-back.
Tuchel has got plenty of room to be expressive and creative with his midfield choices and can tailor them to not only prioritising Chelsea's instincts but also to suppress and expose Leeds' weaknesses too. The big call will be on Gallagher. If he isn't starting then it effectively demotes him to below fourth choice and that isn't a position he will want to be in for long.
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