Chelsea new boys Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia could both make their debuts for the club when the Blues take on West Ham United in Sunday's Premier League London derby.
The midfield duo completed their moves to Stamford Bridge earlier this week, and with Lavia's signing being confirmed before Friday's 12pm registration cut-off point, he is eligible to play this weekend.
However, the Belgian teenager did not play in any of Southampton's earliest fixtures this season and will likely occupy a place on the bench as he builds up his match fitness, although Caicedo will be in with a strong chance of coming straight in.
On a sour note, the Blues are reported to have lost luckless captain Reece James to another thigh injury - one which will keep the newly-appointed captain out for a number of weeks.
Trevoh Chalobah and Benoit Badiashile are sidelined for the same reason, while Wesley Fofana, Christopher Nkunku and Armando Broja make up a trio of knee-related absentees, and goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli is also in the infirmary.
Fresh from a debut-day goal against Liverpool, Axel Disasi should form a part of an unchanged backline for the Blues, as Thiago Silva and Levi Colwill also protect Robert Sanchez in between the sticks.
Malo Gusto will take advantage of James's absence as Ben Chilwell holds his place on the left, while Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez - the former holder of the British-record transfer fee - are set to form a £221m double pivot.
Conor Gallagher could therefore be pushed further forward alongside Raheem Sterling in place of Carney Chukwuemeka, as Nicolas Jackson aims to build on a promising - albeit goalless - display against Liverpool.
Chelsea possible starting lineup: Sanchez; Disasi, Silva, Colwill; Gusto, Fernandez, Caicedo, Chilwell; Gallagher, Sterling; Jackson
Ben Knapton
