From the early stages of this summer, it's been clear there are a number of futures in Chelsea's ranks that need to be resolved. From elder statesmen like Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso to players rarely more advanced than the fringes of the first team like Ross Barkley and Kenedy, and youngsters looking to forge their careers like Armando Broja and Levi Colwill.
Usually, it would appear the club's pre-season squad would be indicative of those whose future are secure. After Broja, Harvey Vale, Billy Gilmour and Tino Anjorin made their departures from the group ahead of Chelsea's second friendly, at first glance, it would appear their futures are separate from that of the first team. However, following Thomas Tuchel's press conference ahead of the game against Charlotte - perhaps there is more nuance to the state of play.
Broja's situation, in particular, has been curious. The Albania international arrived late to the tour of the USA before pre-season and has since left early. The club announced the forward would be best served by returning to London for treatment on an injury, but speculation has only increased amid transfer interest in the 20-year-old.
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The Blues' intention was always to observe returning stars before making any decisions. Due to his injury, there has only been a small opportunity for Broja to impress Tuchel. Though given his time in the Premier League last season, he may have already left an impression.
West Ham have a clear interest in the striker, with a bid in excess of £30 million said to be in the works. However, a deal does not appear imminent, with the Hammers still said to have a long way to go with Chelsea. Tuchel's words seem consistent with this, suggesting that he would like to see Broja stay.
He said: "Armando was injured, and I don't expect Armando to leave. We are aware of offers and interest. It just tells us that he has a lot of potential.
"We will make a decision together, the owners and me, and also in the end with the player. Right now, from when he arrived, it was clear that he tried to impress and become a Chelsea player as soon as possible. After his loan in Southampton, the situation was very clear that he wanted to make the next step and show his improvement and make an impression in pre-season.
"Unfortunately, he injured himself. There's a lot of noise because there are a lot of offers and interest in him. So let's see how this goes. But I am pretty calm about it. We know the situation. He has a contract, and from there, we go.
Colwill has found himself in a similar situation to his teammate. An opportunity to impress, a whole host of suitors and an injury getting in the way of his progress. However, the former Huddersfield loanee has remained with the first team group.
Tuchel was less forthright in assessing the defender's future, however. It appears the German coach's uncertainty is a driver in keeping him with the group with less than a week remaining in the USA.
"With Levi, it is too early to give an answer," he said. "What I will say now, I maybe have to take back or give another opinion in a few weeks. I simply haven't seen enough of him in our group. He got a bit of an injury and was out of training for several days. Once you are out, it takes a while to catch up against, especially those who aren't used to that level.
"The fact he is still here is very easy. We don't know him enough, so he needs to stay here. We need more impressions of him to get a better outlook on the situation. But like what Chalobah did last season, everyone is invited to do the same."
The prospect of assessing Colwill as the start of the season nears appears to be the option Tuchel is happy to continue with. The youngster may soon find himself with more competition; however, with Chelsea chasing Jules Kounde and Prancel Kimpembe - perhaps Colwill's future will be directly impacted by the business the club are able to complete.
Broja's path to the first team might be more simple. Following Romelu Lukaku's departure, the likes of Timo Werner and Michy Batshuayi are Chelsea's only out-and-out forwards, with Raheem Sterling providing an alternative option. There will rarely be a better chance to break through. Tuchel appears uncertain whether Broja will be better served by another temporary move, however.
He said: "For players like Armando and players who already played in Premier League, we have to look at the situation carefully and decide if we have minutes we can offer to continue to bring his development or whether it is better to bring him to another loan."
There will be frustrations, too, that the likes of Kenedy, Barkley and Batshuayi have retained their place in the first team ranks with no obvious position in Tuchel's plans. There will be uncertainty over whether they will remain in west London, much like with the likes of Azpilicueta.
For youngsters like Gilmour, Vale and Anjorin - uncertainty was not enough to keep them among the squad. Tuchel plans to speak to them when the club arrive back in London. However, it is important to note that his decision sounds like it will be impacted by who he believes he can trust in the squad that already remains. Perhaps there will still be opportunities.
Tuchel added: "We know Billy Gilmour very well. I struggle a bit to find the role where Tino Anjorin plays, but we like him very much, Harvey the same. They know from my talk with them that I don't like to send them away, but the group was too big.
"We had the chance not to send them home straight away but play in America. They will have playing time with the Under-23s, so this was the decision. I promised them when they are back in London that, we will have this talk in London. Then we will also have a clearer view of our team on who we trust and build the group around. Then maybe we will do the squad you suggested."
It was always going to be a busy summer of rebuilding for Chelsea. With just over two weeks remaining until the start of the season, even the current squad decisions still suggest there are a number of moving parts to be resolved.
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