Chelsea took along a cadre of young players to provide warm bodies in training and to provide relief to the first team squad in games. But what are the chances of these players staying for the season?
Chelsea’s loan machine moved along at pace during the closing week of Chelsea’s pre-season tour in Asia. Several youngsters packed up for their first loan, with Mason Mount leading the way to Vitesse for his first season of senior-level football. Other loan army veterans took their assignments, with a record number heading to other teams in the Premier League.
For the players on tour in Asia, their pre-season performances will determine the level of their loan assignment. Chelsea have already assigned Tomas Kalas back to Fulham, while the others await their fate.
Here are our ratings – out of 10 – of each remaining player’s odds of staying with Chelsea’s first team this season.