Graham Potter faces the unenviable task of facing Manchester City at the Etihad, add in that the World Cup break is less than two weeks away, there are a host of injuries to navigate and manage, the Blues are winless in four games domestically and have lost two in a row and it's easy to understand why things are looking bleak.
Chelsea fell to a weak 1-0 defeat against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge but were without six first team stars in their starting XI and Potter will no doubt be keen to give others a rest in the Carabao Cup. Thomas Tuchel led them to the final last year but lost out on penalties against Liverpool.
With a big top four battle against Newcastle on Saturday this match is all of a sudden a distraction and hinderance in the build-up to more important domestic action and it wouldn't be a surprise to see several youth players given first team action.
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Manchester City are also likely to be moving players around and fielded a weakened team in their own Champions League group stage clash last week.
Here's the latest on Potter's treatment room.
Jorginho
The Italian played 90 minutes against Arsenal and Dinamo Zagreb last week but is one of the players most likely to be rested against Manchester City in the cup. A lack of other senior midfield options does complicate things, but with the World Cup and a trip to Newcastle round the corner it would be a surprise to see him risked.
What Potter said: "Jorginho has a slight problem with his foot and is doubtful for tomorrow."
Expected return date: Newcastle (A), November 12.
Mateo Kovacic
The Croatian has been in and out of fitness all season and was on the bench against Arsenal after sitting out against Zagreb but playing Vs Brighton.
What Potter said: "He's just had an ongoing knee issue that is a little bit of discomfort. It hasn't stopped him completely. He's not able to play properly, certainly, we've had to be conscious of that during this period. It's not a massive problem for him.
"He'll be fine for the World Cup. I wouldn't necessarily say he's 100%, but he's not far off that. It's just we've managed it really well. He's managed it really well. He's a top professional. He's done everything he can in terms of rehab, looking after himself in the gym, and making sure his body is as good as can be. Fantastic professional.
"Yeah, I think it's been going on from pretty much pre-season, and we've tried to make the best of it."
Expected return date: Newcastle (A), November 12.
Ben Chilwell
Chelsea have confirmed that Ben Chilwell is out of the World Cup after he limped off in the final moments of Chelsea's Champions League match against Dinamo Zagreb. He pulled up clutching his hamstring in the fourth minute of added time before being helped off the field by the Blues medical staff after the full-time whistle.
The 25-year-old had just recently recovered from a long-term knee injury but will now miss more action including England's World Cup campaign with another injury. He sent an emotional message after the diagnosis was made public.
Expected return date: Unknown.
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Chelsea's new first-choice keeper was subbed off at half-time against Brighton due to a foot injury and missed the final training session ahead of the win against Dinamo Zagreb. After the game on the south coast, the boss said: "He felt the bottom of his foot, so I don't know, it's too early yet. It was too bad for him to carry on. So that is disappointing for him because he is in a really good moment."
Edouard Mendy looks set to continue on in goal up until the break for the World Cup, with Potter offering an update on the Spaniard's condition.
What Potter said: "Unavailable. [Fit for the World Cup?] We'll see."
"He's got to take it day by day. It's a tear in his plantar fascia, so depending on how he responds, responds to pain and how comfortable he feels. At the moment not so positive."
Wesley Fofana
Minimal news has come out regarding Wesley Fofana's knee injury suffered against AC Milan at the start of October that was set to keep him out 'for a few weeks'. The Frenchman is now set to travel to Dubai to continue his recovery.
What Potter said: N/A
Expected return date: Bournemouth (H), December 27.
Reece James
Like Fofana, James will be away in Dubai to see a specialist on his knee after hobbling off injured against AC Milan earlier this week.
James was initially thought to be okay, but the knock worsened in the days after the match, and James has been revealed as being out for at least eight weeks. He won't play before the World Cup break but could still make Gareth Southgate's squad.
The eight weeks would take him to the start of December, meaning there is a slight chance he could be fit to play at some point in the knockout stages if his initial recovery goes well.
What Potter said: "No miracles. Progressing... progressing well. Reece was outside today having a jog, but nothing to report in terms of anything else.
[Is there a timescale?] "Not really, no. It's just how he responds. We don't want to rush anything or have a timescale. That's for him and the doctors.
[Is he optimistic?] "You need to be."
Expected return date: Bournemouth (H), December 27.
Carney Chukwuemeka
Chukwuemeka was absent for the win against Zagreb. He was also ruled out of the 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.
What Potter said: "Carney [Chukwuemeka] has a slight issue with his hamstring that we are getting to the bottom of."
Expected return date: Unknown
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