The opening of a transfer window usually means the opening of the chequebook at Chelsea, but January is expected to provide a break with recent tradition. The club’s hierarchy viewed the summer window as the culmination of a cycle that saw almost the entire first-team squad overhauled and with Enzo Maresca’s team flying high in the Premier League,

Enzo Maresca has heaped praise on one ‘fantastic’ Premier League star who has been heavily linked with a big money transfer to Chelsea. After losing in injury-time to Fulham on Boxing Day, Chelsea will look to bounce back on Monday when they travel to struggling Ipswich Town.

Chelsea have only used four substitutes in their last three Premier League matches combined, with Enzo Maresca reluctant to turn to his bench.