Mauricio Pochettino was handed more injury headaches this week to add to his difficulties at Chelsea right now.
News broke that new summer signing Romeo Lavia had suffered a muscle injury in training before he had actually had the opportunity to make his debut for his new side.
The youngster is set to be out for at least six weeks, with the manager left yet again to assess his options when it comes to midfield reinforcements.
He has only made one change to his midfield so far, with it being enforced after Carney Chukwuemeka was forced off against West Ham with his own injury.
This saw Moises Caicedo join Enzo Fernandez and Conor Gallagher in the middle of the park, although rotation will soon become key for the Blues.
Pochettino must hand Ugochukwu chance
The Argentine should therefore look to fellow summer addition Lesley Ugochukwu to fill minutes where required, and perhaps even start some games if he is looking to shift his formation slightly.
In his limited opportunities up to now, the youngster has looked assured in possession and like he will fit in alongside the two most expensive midfielders in football rather well.
This would likely mean Gallagher is the one to drop out of the side, although he has up to now started every game so far this season.
He survived the club’s best efforts to cash in on him on deadline day, and he will certainly still be an important figure of the squad in the coming months.
However, it does seem as if they will cash in on him at some point in the future rather than see him become a regular first teamer.