Thomas Tuchel to be handed ‘new signing’ in coming days that will transform Chelsea’s season

January has not been an easy month for Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea. Too many points were dropped in the Premier League and fatigue took its toll on the first-team squad.

February is almost certainly going to be better, however. Not only have the majority of Tuchel's players and coaching staff enjoyed a week off to rest and recharge, but the Blues will have the opportunity to claim two pieces of silverware: the Club World Cup and the Carabao Cup.

The Champions League will also return and Chelsea will go into their Round of 16 clash against Lille as favourites to progress to the last eight of the competition they won so impressively last season.

Improvement is required in the Premier League. The title is now beyond Chelsea – Manchester City hold a ten-point advantage having played a game fewer – so the focus must be on finishing comfortably in the top four.

Too often in recent seasons, Chelsea have needed to pick up a result on the final day to guarantee their place in the following season's Champions League. Not only does it put pressure on the squad and make it harder for the club to prepare for the summer transfer window, but it also means the latter stages of European football can't take priority.

Tuchel's side have the ideal chance this term to cement their top spot early as their next eight top-flight fixtures are against sides that, at the time of writing, occupy places in the bottom half of the table.

In order to reel off win after win in that period, the Chelsea head coach will need the majority of his squad fit. Absences, particularly at wing-back, have cost the Blues dearly in recent weeks.

Unfortunately, Ben Chilwell will not be returning any time soon. The 25-year-old is set to miss the remainder of the