Chelsea’s training pics stir intrigue around Lewis Baker, Cesar Azpilicueta

After what feels like years, the Chelsea team returned to Cobham for pre-season training. Diego Costa stole the headlines, but there was intrigue elsewhere within the training sessions.

The Diego Costa saga gathered a head of steam… again. Romelu Lukaku removed his mask to reveal he is, in fact, Judas. Tiemoue Bakayoko had his 73rd medical, and Alex Sandro spent another week deciding on whether he likes Turin or London more. With all that at hand, you would be forgiven for forgetting the start of the Chelsea pre-season began today.

Back at the ranch, players who are fit / not being a stroppy child have returned to start their preparations for the upcoming seasons. Three particular pictures from the training session have stirred up intrigue, and could possibly reveal something to start the season.

Already, on the first day, the players have split into their respective positional groups. First, we see the wide attacking players (from right to left): Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Pedro, Lucas Piazon, Willian, Jeremie Boga and Charly Musonda.

Loftus-Cheek seems set for a loan move away, while Piazon and Boga likely will follow him out the door in some aspect.

Sidenote: if those are the wide attacking players Chelsea start the season with then they are in big, big trouble. Look at the two Manchester sides attacking options. Then tell me you think Chelsea have a chance at winning anything.

Next we see the centre-backs minus Antonio Rudiger, who is resting after the Confederations Cup, (from right to left): Andreas Christensen, Jake Clarke-Salter, Kenneth Omeruo, Gary Cahill, Kurt Zouma (?) and David Luiz.

Good to see Christensen there. He carries a lot of expectations this season. Expect Clarke-Salter to get another loan chance after injury cut short his loan spell at Bristol Rovers.

The most interesting picture, though, is the next. It appears to show the wing-backs going for a jog. The picture features Cesar Azpilicueta, Marcos Alonso, Lewis Baker (?!), Fiyako Tomori, Victor Moses and Kenedy.

Azpilicueta training with the other wing-backs is interesting enough as it is. Perhaps with the addition of Rudiger’s height Conte sees wing-back as a way to find space in the side for Azpilicueta. Tomori has played full-back before, but he will definitely get another loan spell after a short run at Brighton.

This is clearly a group of defensive minded players, so why is Baker with them? Perhaps the other central midfielders were off for lunch. Maybe he was drawn to the group by Alonso’s luscious hair. Or maybe Conte sees his future at wing-back. After all, the Italian’s tactical versatility knows no bounds.

The move would be even more far-fetched than the one which saw Moses make a name for himself in the role. At the very least, Baker’s ambidextrous nature would enable cover for both sides….even if it would be a complete waste of his technical ability.

Next: Ruben Loftus-Cheek set for ideal loan to Frank de Boer's Crystal Palace

People on Twitter have been reporting another loan for Baker looks more than likely, maybe even for two years. And maybe, just maybe, it will be with a view to play at wing-back.