As the festive period kicks in, the depths of teams really starts to matter.
We've already seen the likes of Reece James fill in at centre midfield for Chelsea as the Blues suffer from injuries.
As consequence to such issues, questions arise of whether players out on loan should return to the club to help plug the gaps or continue with their development elsewhere.
It's been a mixed bag over the weekend for Chelsea's loan army with injuries, COVID and some fantastic performances all playing their part.
football.london takes a look at how the Blues' loanees have done in their most recent fixtures below:
Nathan Baxter
On the whole, the Hull stopper had little to do but could not prevent Matty James' 91st-minute equaliser for Bristol City. Baxter, however, was named the Tiger's player of the month for November and nominated for Championship player of the month after three clean sheets in four appearances.
Jamie Cumming
Cumming was unable to start for Gillingham against Fleetwood Town due to Chelsea’s COVID policy. The Blues required Cumming to train for two days after having the virus.
Karlo Ziger
The goalkeeper is on loan at Slovenian side Rudar Velenje who are next scheduled to play in March.
Ethan Ampadu
Ampadu figured in the centre of the pitch as Venezia drew with Juventus over the weekend. The Welshman picked up a yellow card in the 63rd minute before being substituted.
Juan Castillo
Once again settled for a place on the bench as Birmingham drew with Cardiff.
Jake Clarke-Salter
Clarke-Salter was not involved as Coventry earned a late draw with Huddersfield. The defender is still recovering from an injury at Chelsea.
Coventry boss Mark Robins said: “Not back with us yet, he’s still at Chelsea, he’s making decent progress, we’ve just got to wait and see and obviously that’ll happen when it happens, you can’t rush these things.
"So, while I’m hopeful he’s sort of end-stage rehab, we don’t want to put a time on it and put him under any time pressure. I think he’ll be ready when he’s ready.
"I’m still sort of talking to him, but again he’s in really good hands and we’re just waiting for them to tell us that he’s ready and they’re sending him back over."
Emerson Palmieri
The Italian was limited to an appearance off the bench as Lyon drew 1-1 with Lille. Emerson replaced Henrique after the Brazilian suffered a hamstring injury.
Levi Colwill
Described as 'indomitable' against Coventry for Huddersfield, but was unable to deal with the ball into the box for the Sky Blues' goal. Generally played well with some promise going forward too.
Henry Lawrence
The defender was recalled to the Wimbledon side for the clash against Wycombe. Lawrence slotted in a left-back having not started since October and generated some good chances as the Dons drew 2-2.
Ian Maatsen
While there has been talk of whether Chelsea should opt to recall the young dutch defender, Maatsen had to settle for minutes from the bench against Huddersfield. He played the final half-hour for Coventry and was able to for a last-ditch block from Matty Pearson.
Matt Miazga
The USA defender contracted COVID and was absent from Alaves' squad at the weekend.
Baba Rahman
Reading fell to West Brom at the weekend with Rahman not showing enough propensity to get forward. The loanee is pleased with how his move is going overall, however.
He said: "It’s been great, the lads are good and I’ve enjoyed myself here so far. I’m very grateful and happy for the game time.
“I appreciate it a lot as that’s what I needed, and the opportunity means a lot.”
Dujon Sterling
Sterling didn't put in his best performance as Blackpool struggled against Derby and are now without a win in seven.
Tiemoue Bakayoko
The midfielder started in Milan's 1-1 draw with Udinese but produced the error that led to the home side's goal. Bakayoko was hauled off at half-time for Franck Kessie.
Thierno Ballo
The Chelsea youngster was missing from Rapid Vienna's squad.
Danny Drinkwater
Drinkwater has become a key part of the Reading side since joining the Royals but picked up a groin injury and was unable to play against West Brom.
Conor Gallagher
Gallagher produced two goals and a fantastic performance against Everton at the weekend. The Crystal Palace midfielder has continued to prove his class and will leave Chelsea with a very difficult decision in the summer.
Garth Crooks has already provided some controversial advice.
He said: "Gallagher was an inspiration in the first half and scored a cracker in the second.
"The Chelsea player, on loan to Palace, continues to impress at Selhurst Park. The only problem with this is that he is either going to cost Patrick Vieira too much money to buy - or worse he stays at Chelsea, which in my view would be a terrible mistake by the player."
Billy Gilmour
A familiar tale of a good Gilmour performance as Norwich were beaten. Manchester United just had too much for the Canaries but the Scotland international was once again able to show his class to spray the ball across midfield.
The loanee has thrived since the arrival of Dean Smith at Carrow Road.
Gilmour said: “I love playing and working under the new manager. I think he has been really good with me so far. I just need to make sure I am putting in good performances to make sure I am playing every week.
“It is a good squad in there, who are fighting for places and injuries are building up so I need to make sure I am on it every day in training to get the opportunity. Boys are excited, they want to do well and stay in this league.”
Michy Batshuayi
The Belgian forward scored a brace in the final 10 minutes and provided an assist as Besiktas overcame Kayserispor 4-2. Batshuayi even had quite the celebration as his side earned their first win since October.
Armando Broja
Broja picked up an injury in Southampton's defeat to Arsenal.
The striker was one of Saints' more lively players before that point and tested the Gunners' defence but could not sustain his effort. Ralph Hasenhuttl is hopeful that the injury isn't too severe, however.
He said: "We don’t know yet. Hopefully not too serious. But it was not possible for them to continue.
"The signs before the game haven’t been the best today, and hopefully we have not more injuries now because a tough time of the season is coming."
Kenedy
The Brazilian was not in the Flamengo squad as they lost 2-0 to Atletico Goianiense.
