Chelsea began January on a dip after back-to-back defeats by Fulham and Ipswich, and the winter blues have followed them this month as they dropped points to Crystal Palace and Bournemouth before defeat at Manchester City last weekend.
With time ticking on the January transfer window, the club have found their depth is not quite as formidable as it was hoped, and any chance of a title challenge has rapidly faded away.
But Champions League qualification is very much on the radar as they sit a point off the top four with 15 games to go, as is a potential European trophy as the runaway favourites to lift the Europa Conference League.
Here, our Chelsea expert KIERAN GILL examines the five key questions for the club heading into the final days of the window.
What business have Chelsea done so far in January and will they be happy with it?
With five days until the window closes, they have signed no one, and sold no one, other than loaning Renato Veiga to Juventus until the summer.
Enzo Maresca’s side have dropped off in recent weeks and the title challenge has faded
In Mail Sport’s Q&A at the start of this month, we reported how Chelsea weren’t planning on being too busy, so there is no panic within the club.
But they have been looking to strengthen their squad with the odd deal here and there, as they have been throughout Todd Boehly and Clearlake’s tenure as owners. Chelsea are willing to take it to the wire, even though they are playing on the night of deadline day, against West Ham at Stamford Bridge.
What more do they need and do they have money to spend?
From the outside, Chelsea look like they need a goalkeeper better than Robert Sanchez. Inside, they have been looking to bring in a left winger, with Mykhailo Mudryk still suspended, and a striker to compete with Nicolas Jackson.
A midfielder is also a possibility after injuries showed a vulnerability in that area, with Veiga’s exit robbing Enzo Maresca of another option in there. They have the capital to spend if the right opportunity presents itself.
Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly has not been as active as in previous transfer windows
Which players are they targeting?
Chelsea are willing to bide their time for Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, that being a deal which could go down to the wire.
Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams are also on the winger shortlist. Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel is wanted, with Chelsea encouraged by him being an unused…