Graham Potter says he will have to hold “awkward” talks with a number of Chelsea players due to the bloated size of his squad.
A huge splash in the January market left the Blues with 33 players in their first-team squad, with eight new faces arriving and only Jorginho moved on.
The situation is a particular problem in the Champions League where only three new names can be added to their 25-man list, although Potter played down the headache and insists the club is “aware who we need to speak to”.
The manager told reporters: “There will be a few awkward conversations because only eleven can play.
“You have to be as honest as you can and respect the fact players want to play and compete, but they have to be patient and help the team.”
Chelsea had been hit by a major injury crisis in the past couple of months and yet the spending spree comes just as Ben Chilwell, Raheem Sterling and Reece James return to the squad for Friday’s game with Fulham.
Furthermore, Hakim Ziyech and Omari Hutchinson ended up staying put as deadline day loan exits collapsed.
Enzo Fernandez may not make the fixture while waiting on his paperwork.
“I'm not complaining about it,” Potter said on his embarrassment of riches. “It's exciting but a test for me and the staff.
“We have a lot of good players and we have to create an environment where there is healthy competition. Only eleven can play, that is how it is, but it's about being ready and supporting the team.”
