Chelsea's first-team squad hit a low point on Sunday afternoon in a comprehensive loss to Leeds United. Not even the Blues new signings could perk up a lacklustre display as Kalidou Koulibaly, so impressive in his first two matches, picked up a red card to cap off the disappointing 3-0 defeat.
In that squad, there were already a number of players whose futures have been linked away from the club, with possible loan moves touted. Ethan Ampadu, Trevoh Chalobah, Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic all started the game on the bench.
The latter duo entered the fray to opportunities in the centre of the pitch, while Ampadu and Chalobah could not get onto the pitch. All may consider their best opportunities lying elsewhere.
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Chelsea already have 15 players on their books who have taken that opportunity in 2022/23, albeit to mixed success. football.london catches up with Chelsea's loan army after a busy week.
Prince Adegoke - The 18-year-old was not involved for Welling United this week and is still yet to make his senior debut.
Nathan Baxter - The loanee sat on the bench as Hull City lost twice to Burnley and West Brom.
Lucas Bergstrom - Picked up two clean sheets for Peterborough as they defeated Lincoln City and Sheffield Wednesday in the last seven days. Fumbled a cross against Lincoln but once again pulled off some impressive saves.
Gabriel Slonina - The 18-year-old could do nothing as his side fell 2-0 to New York City FC but still produced three saves and showed some solid distribution on his way to 92% pass accuracy.
Ethan Wady - The American-born goalkeeper once again had to settle for a place on the bench as Woking recorded a 2-0 win against Scunthorpe and a 2-0 defeat against Barnet. Wady had a knock just ahead of the season and is otherwise settling in well, however.
Jamie Cumming - The Blues stopper managed to help his side to a 1-1 draw against Accrington Stanley and a 2-1 win over Port Vale. Made a fantastic point-blank save against Accy to leave everyone impressed.
Henry Lawrence - Lawrence recorded consecutive starts for MK Dons after a difficult start to life at Stadium MK.
Lawerence said: "I didn't get off to the best start, but the more you play, the more confident I've got in myself, and I know I will get better, and I can give a lot more."
Malang Sarr - Made his Monaco debut off the bench as the French side lost 4-1 to Lens.
Levi Colwill - The Blues defender remained on the bench for Brighton's win over West Ham.
Ian Maatsen - Burnley drew 3-3 with Blackpool as Maatsen was sent off in proceedings. Having been fouled while on the break, the Dutch defender did not respond well and stormed in to push his assailant over. One for him to quickly learn from.
Sam McClelland - The Barrow loanee recorded his first senior goal, winning an impressive header to net against Walsall in a 2-1 win. The Northern Ireland international was then involved in a 1-0 win over Harrogate Town.
Tino Anjorin - Anjorin missed Huddersfield's defeat to Norwich with a dead leg before having a free weekend as the Terriers clash with Coventry was postponed due to the playing surface.
Tiemoue Bakayoko - Once again stayed on the bench, this time as AC Milan drew with Atalanta.
Romelu Lukaku - Inter Milan were 3-0 winners over Spezia at the weekend, but Lukaku failed to get on the scoresheet. He did, however, record an assist, and opening goalscorer Lautaro Martinez was quick to identify his joy that the Belgian had returned.
Martinez told SkyItalia: "I am very happy he came back because he said we need to battle against everyone. He'll give us a big hand, and we will continue battling alongside him. We kept in contact and spoke every day from the moment he left. He is a great help to this team. We all want to keep improving, we have four talented strikers, and all bring different characteristics."
Bryan Fiabema - The striker was only good enough for a place on the bench as Rosenborg beat Aalesund 2-1.
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