Head coach Mauricio Pochettino is prepared to make "tough decisions" as he looks to streamline Chelsea's "massive" squad and maintain a positive atmosphere in the dressing room.
Pochettino, who has a 28-man group for the Premier League Summer Series in the USA, has already sanctioned the permanent departure of 12 players including Cesar Azpilicueta, Edouard Mendy and Pierre-Emerick Aubamayang, in addition to a number of loan exits.
A further three - Hakim Ziyech, Romelu Lukaku and Callum Hudson-Odoi - are also reportedly in line to leave Stamford Bridge.
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"At the moment the dynamic is very good, really good guys and they are sharing the time together," Pochettino said following Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Newcastle United in Atlanta on Wednesday.
"What we cannot have is a massive squad, players not be involved and then it's going to create a mess in the squad.
"It is difficult because sometimes in every game three, four, five players cannot play and that is difficult because the mood is difficult. It is about creating a squad with good balance and people who have the opportunity to play and can compete for their place.
"Maybe less is more and more is less, it is not mathematic. That is why I need to make clear we don't need a big squad."
The summer signing of 22-year-old Nicolas Jackson, who has scored in each of his two Summer Series appearances, reflects Pochettino's desire to lower the average age of his squad.
"We need 22, 23, 24 players with some younger and that's it," added the head coach. "I am so sorry because maybe the decision will be tough but we need to build a good and a balanced team who want to compete for things.
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"That is a big job and challenge for us in the transfer window to build a good relationship and good balance. Then, if players are not happy because they believe they are not going to play, we are going to find a solution with the club and fix the situation.
"Players that will be here next season need to be happy."
Chelsea play their final match in the Summer Series on Sunday, facing Fulham in Landover, Maryland. Lying second in the table, they are in strong contention to win the trophy.
| Position Pos | Club | Played Pl | GD | Points Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Chelsea
CHE
|
3 | +3 | 7 |
| 2 |
Aston Villa
AVL
|
3 | +2 | 5 |
| 3 |
Newcastle
NEW
|
3 | +1 | 5 |
| 4 |
Brighton
BHA
|
3 | 0 | 3 |
| 5 |
Fulham
FUL
|
3 | -3 | 3 |
| 6 |
Brentford
BRE
|
3 | -3 | 1 |
Chelsea Summer Series squad
Kepa Arrizabalaga, Gabriel Slonina, Lucas Bergstrom, Eddie Beach, Jamie Cumming, Thiago Silva, Trevoh Chalobah, Ben Chilwell, Marc Cucurella, Malo Gusto, Bashir Humphreys, Levi Colwill, Ian Maatsen, Alfie Gilchrist, Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher, Carney Chukwuemeka, Andrey Santos, Cesare Casadei, Lewis Hall, Mykhailo Mudryk, Raheem Sterling, Noni Madueke, Angelo Gabriel, Diego Moreira, Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Mason Burstow.
