Cobham is set to be busier than usual during the international break. Due to form and fitness problems across the squad, Enzo Maresca will not have to deal with a group as depleted as is normal.
Often, Chelsea's managers have been left with 10 or fewer first-team players for training but this time round there are 18 left out by their countries for the March fixtures. Of those, six are injured and would not have been available anyway.
There is also a large portion who simply are not established internationals yet. To an extent it tells the story of the Chelsea squad. Only Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, and Romeo Lavia have any sort of recent track record of those who have missed out here.
Robert Sanchez and Wesley Fofana have both played for their country, as has Jadon Sancho, but none got the nod and perhaps it isn't surprising. However, of those left back at the Surrey-based complex with Maresca, there is not too much which can be done.
Two players are goalkeepers, whilst the injured bunch are working towards a return rather than actively participating in sessions. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is out of the starting XI as he has been all season, and Mykhailo Mudryk is suspended.
Those who are currently able to take part are Marcus Bettinelli, Sanchez, Malo Gusto, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Lavia, Dewsbury-Hall, Christopher Nkunku, and Sancho. A five vs six-a-side match then.
In this scenario, coaches tend to adapt and change their methods. What is also common is to include the academy. Not only is it a chance to get a look at new players in training in a way which is not always accessible or possible when preparing for three games in a week but it also allows for more one-on-one time.
Maresca can speak to faces he might not see as often. It is an opportunity to experiment and to try. The good news is that Chelsea have plenty of talented prospects to choose from.
Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George may well have gone away with the England Under-19s group, but there are still plenty of others to pick from. Ted Curd (goalkeeper), Kiano Dyer, Harrison Murray-Campbell, and Shumaira Mheuka are all in the same squad.
Dyer and Curd are yet to make their debuts for the senior team, although Dyer has been named on the bench several times. Mheuka has started and been a substitute in the Conference League, he also made his Premier League debut. Murray-Campbell has one outing as a substitute.
Genesis Antwi is the latest to play for the first time. He is away with Sweden's Under-19 side. Like Mheuka, he is playing up two age groups.
Of those to have had similar exposure this season, Ato Ampah is staying in England for the break and will be keen to get himself involved. Kaiden Wilson also made his debut but has hardly been seen since under Maresca. Wilson is a right-back and Ampah is a speedy winger.
Richard Olise, brother of Michael, has also been on the bench but is another to have not had much senior since. Ishe Samuels-Smith is more regularly on the fringe as has recently been in matchday squads.
He is still yet to get onto the pitch but is effectively the next cab off the rank as a versatile left-back able to play centrally. He is the most natural replacement for Marc Cucurella but Maresca has favoured using Malo Gusto or Reece James on their weaker side. Acheampong, another right-back, also played there against Copenhagen last week.
Sam Rak-Sakyi impressed when he was called on in December. He started away to Astana but has been another to fall away. He was considered for a loan in January but has seen his way into more minutes blocked by the arrival of Mathis Amougou and Romeo Lavia returning from injury.
There are some yet to be as heavily tried in training or matches under Maresca who will also be spying a chance. In Donnel McNeilly, Chelsea have the top scorer in Premier League 2 this season.
Chelsea academy striker Donnell McNeilly
Donnell McNeilly was the top scorer at Chelsea last season (Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
He was set to be involved last month but suffered an injury. McNeilly has a current contract issue which is thought to be playing a role in his lack of opportunities. He scored over 25 goals last season for the Under-21 side and is an effective No.9.
McNeilly has played with 16-year-old Ryan Kavuma-McQueen at times under Filipe Coehlo this year. Since his birthday in January, Kavuma-McQueen has been more and more involved with the Under-18 and Under-21 sides despite being so young.
He is one of the brightest sparks at Cobham right now and it would not be impossible to see him included in training or a matchday squad between now and the end of May. One player who is a bit further away but has been similarly notable is Landon Emenalo.
The son of Chelsea's former sporting director, Emenalo is a centre-back who is able to play in midfield and matches David Luiz with his hair as well as positional ability and range of passing. The 17-year-old has continued to grow and is another who is worthy of being looked at.
Even if this does not transpire into anything, Maresca has a brilliant set of youngsters at his fingertips.
football.london Chelsea WhatsApp channel
Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Want to keep up to date with the breaking and important Chelsea stories whilst on the move? Well now you can!
Click this link to follow the football.london Chelsea WhatsApp channel, where you'll be kept up to date on the latest Blues news wherever you are.
Just remember to turn on the notifications once you've followed, and you won't miss a beat!