Chelsea are facing a major squad overhaul as the club works to reduce the number of senior players before the summer transfer window closes.

The Premier League side reportedly has 41 first-team players under new head coach Xabi Alonso, far exceeding the number expected for the upcoming campaign.

Club officials are now tasked with trimming the squad to around 25 players, leaving them with just a few weeks to complete several outgoing transfers.

The situation has become more urgent following FIFA’s decision to prohibit the use of so-called “bomb squads,” a practice where unwanted players are separated from the main team and made to train with youth or reserve squads while awaiting transfers.

Under the new regulations, clubs must integrate all contracted players into regular training unless they are transferred, loaned out or released.

This means Chelsea can no longer isolate players who are not part of the manager’s plans.

As a result, the Blues are expected to accelerate negotiations with interested clubs to secure permanent transfers or loan agreements for a significant number of players before the transfer deadline.

The restructuring is also seen as an important step in helping Alonso establish a balanced and competitive squad for his first season in charge at Stamford Bridge.

Reducing the squad size will allow the coaching staff to focus on players who are expected to play key roles throughout the campaign.

With time running out, Chelsea’s recruitment team faces a busy period as they seek suitable destinations for players deemed surplus to requirements while ensuring the club complies with FIFA’s latest squad management rules before the new season begins.