In Focus: Five loanees that can help Chelsea beat their Blues

Chelsea have been plunged into chaos by sanctions imposed on Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich and an uncertain summer awaits at Stamford Bridge.

With the Blues banned from making any new signings under the terms of their special operating licence, they may have to turn to their extensive loan diaspora for reinforcements.

As Thomas Tuchel’s team prepare for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at Lille, we pick out five players who could return to their parent club for next season.

Armando Broja

Of the 24 players Chelsea currently have out on loan, Armando Broja is arguably enjoying the best campaign.

The Albania international has racked up nine goals in 19 starts for Southampton in all competitions, making him the Saints’ leading scorer this term.

But the 20-year-old is rapidly proving that his game is about much more than just finding the net as he hassles defence after defence with his nightmarish combination of pace and power.

On recent evidence, he would not be out of his depth if tasked with leading the line for Chelsea.

Conor Gallagher

Conor Gallagher is the other clear contender for Chelsea’s loanee of the season, starring for Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace.

A well-rounded attacking midfielder, the 22-year-old has been involved in 11 league goals for the Eagles so far, providing three assists and finding the net himself eight times.

His form earned him a first senior England call-up — and cap — in November’s 10-0 win over San Marino.

Gallagher has also looked comfortable operating in a deeper role. That kind of versatility could make him an option for Tuchel next term — especially with Saul Niguez only on loan from Atletico Madrid.

Ethan Ampadu

Another Chelsea loan star whose versatility could stand him in good stead given the current situation is Ethan Ampadu. The Wales international has made 18 starts for Venezia in Serie A this season.

With Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and captain Cesar Azpilicueta all out of contract in June, the Blues are going to be short in defence, which could benefit Ampadu.

However, the 21-year-old’s disciplinary record might be cause for concern. He has picked up 10 yellow cards this term and been sent off once.

Emerson Palmieri

Following Ben Chilwell’s season-ending injury, Chelsea reportedly tried to recall Emerson Palmieri from his loan spell at Lyon in January.

At the time, Tuchel described the Italy international — a key member of the Azzurri’s Euro 2020-winning side — as “a player we know and we love as a person”.

Lyon are rumoured to have the option to buy Emerson in the summer, although whether Chelsea could sell the defender remains unclear under the terms of their licence.

Emerson, 27, would provide quality cover at left-back and left wing-back, although whether he would be keen on a return to Stamford Bridge is another matter.

Speaking recently, he said: “I had been at Chelsea for three years, and the last six months last season were not easy because I played very little.

“I went to the Euros, I played, I felt important for the team and I won a major trophy. It totally changed my way of thinking.

“I said to myself, ‘Next season, you are going to a team that wants you and makes you feel important.’ I think I made the right choice [to join Lyon on loan].”

If the Blues’ off-field situation has not changed by the end of the next transfer window though, Emerson may not have a choice about where he plays his football.

Michy Batshuayi

Now in his fifth loan spell away from Stamford Bridge since signing for Chelsea in 2016, Michy Batshuayi still has another year left to run on his Blues deal.

The 28-year-old is spending this season with Besiktas — and he has been in good form for the Istanbul giants, bagging 11 goals in 24 Turkish Super Lig outings. He remains a regular for his country, too.

With neither Romelu Lukaku nor Timo Werner convincing Tuchel they are the player to lead the line, Batshuayi could be thrown a Chelsea lifeline.