Managing Chelsea - Obvious transfer decision, Christopher Nkunku sold, Joao Felix call

Enzo Maresca's reign at has surprised many people. The appointment of the Italian in the summer had raised eyebrows in the football world but after nearly four months into the season,, the Blues sit third in the Premier League.

Big wins over West Ham, Brighton and Newcastle, alongside draws with Arsenal and Manchester United, mean life is good at Stamford Bridge. The congested squad available to Maresca hasn't caused the same problems it had with Mauricio Pochettino after another summer of heavy spending.

With the final international break nearly over, focus turns to the hectic festive schedule. After that, the January transfer window opens and there could be more movement at Cobham.

Below, football.london takes a look at what part of Maresca's squad requires attention, the potential of any incomings and much more...

No-brainer exit

A quick glance at Chelsea's official squad list on their website and one position that needs trimming is goalkeeper. Filip Jorgensen's arrival in the summer meant Chelsea have four professional number ones on their books.

Robert Sanchez, currently, is Maresca's first-choice with Jorgensen deployed as the cup goalkeeper. The 22-year-old has kept three clean sheets in seven appearances.

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Lucas Bergstrom, 22, and Marcus Bettinelli, 32, have not played a game all season. Even a view to loan Bergstrom out for the rest of the season would be one of the best options for Chelsea.

Possible loan exits

One of the biggest problems that Maresca has faced throughout the entirety of his reign in west London is certain players not getting game time. The likes of Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka and Cesare Casadei are clearly not in the Italian's thinking and are likely to be the subject of interest.

But there are certain players who have played, but not to the level that they would want. Summer signing is the perfect example, only being used in cup competitions and often being excluded from the squad for Premier League games.

Benoit Badiashile is another. The defender has only played 37 minutes in the Premier League this season, with the majority of his appearances coming in the Conference League and EFL Cup.

Marc Guiu, Deivid Washington, Tyrique George and Shumaira Mheuka are all names who could be allowed to leave on loan for first-team minutes.

Duo problem needs fixing

has often played for Chelsea this season. In fact, no other player has made more appearances than the Frenchman. However, he's behind in the pecking order and has been utilised off the bench in the league.

After starting just one league game, coming on the opening day of the season, whispers have emerged of his unhappiness at his game time. Manchester United have been linked with a loan move, something that does seem highly unlikely.

is another player whose case at Stamford Bridge is quite curious. After costing £45million in the summer, the Portugal international has played 10 times across all competitions this season.

Five of them have come in the Premier League, starting zero, but he has started every game of their league phase in the Conference League, scoring four goals.

However, playing in Maresca's 'B' team and not being a key figure isn't what either player wanted when they signed. It's something that the club has to find a solution in January.