Despite what proved to be a busy transfer window for both incomings and outgoings for Chelsea, there is still a sense that more could have been done.
The size of the squad at Stamford Bridge was well-documented, however Enzo Maresca has remained relatively calm about his task when asked about it in the media.
The new manager has been refreshingly ruthless when it comes to who is in his plans and who is not, with Raheem Sterling being a notable omission.
He found his deadline day move to Arsenal, however there were some players who were not able to get moves away this summer.
One of those was Ben Chilwell, who actually occupied the role of vice-captain when Maresca took over at Chelsea.
Chelsea regret not selling Ben Chilwell
However, it has quickly emerged that he is not in the boss’ plans at all, and is yet to make the matchday squad for any games.
According to The Athletic, there is a feeling of genuine regret that the Blues were not able to move on their £50m signing from 2020 this summer.
Wages would likely have played a part, however the fact that they were able to shift their highest-earning players in Sterling and Romelu Lukaku on this summer suggests that it is possible.
Renato Veiga replacing Chilwell
Marc Cucurella is by far and away the number one choice for left-back at the moment, with him still enjoying the really rich vein of form he ended last season in.
The role of back-up has called to Renato Veiga, who many now see as one of the smartest signings Chelsea made during the window.
The tall youngster has already shown he can invert to help out in midfield, while Maresca has already shown enough faith to regularly use him off the bench, as well as hand him starts in European fixtures.
With the plethora of games in quick succession before Christmas, this may well become a pattern for Veiga.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
