Once again, a midweek rolls past, and Chelsea fans who are used to settling down to watch their team play in the Champions League find themselves at a loose end.
Manchester City vs Barcelona was a worthy replacement, but there’s nothing to replace seeing your own team play in Europe.
The extended breaks that Chelsea have had this season have clearly benefited the team, which has largely improved week on week as manager Antonio Conte has used his excess of spare time to his advantage.
But it has meant that fringe players like Michy Batshuayi have not had the chances that their first team cameos have merited.
Going out of the EFL Cup to West Ham last week has only compounded the problem. The Blues now only have league games from now until the start of the FA Cup.
That may do wonders for our title challenge. For our squad? Not so much.
