Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca often pushes back against media claims that the club has a “big squad,” describing the assertion as a lazy criticism, especially after the Blues offloaded numerous players during the summer transfer window.

However, simple arithmetic reveals Chelsea still possess an unusually large squad, suggesting more work is needed in January to trim the roster further.

Maresca insists, “We don’t have more than other clubs,” referencing the standard 25-player limit for Premier League and UEFA competitions, with allowances for additional young players.

But when you break it down, the numbers tell a different story. Here’s a list of Chelsea’s current squad:

Goalkeepers: Sanchez, Bettinelli, Jorgensen

Defenders: James, Gusto, Disasi, Tosin, Colwill, Fofana, Badiashile, Cucurella, Veiga

Midfielders: Fernandez, Caicedo, Dewsbury-Hall, Lavia

Wide attackers: Palmer, Madueke, Felix, Sancho, Mudryk, Neto

Strikers: Nkunku, Jackson

That’s already 24 players, but it doesn’t include Cesare Casadei, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell, and Marc Guiu — all of whom have substantial first-team experience and were signed for significant sums. Adding them takes the squad to 27 players.

Then there are Tyrique George and Josh Acheampong, who have been promoted from the academy, and Omari Kellyman and Deivid Washington, who cost around £17 million. Including these four raises the total to 31 players.

Beyond that, Chelsea also has Finland international goalkeeper Lucas Bergstrom and several youth players with first-team experience: Kiano Dyer, Sam Rak-Sakyi, Harvey Vale, Alex Matos, Jimi Tauriainen, Shim Mheuka, Harrison Murray-Campbell, and Ato Ampah. Factoring in this group takes the squad size to an eye-watering 41 players.

Unfortunately for Maresca, the claim that Chelsea doesn’t have a big squad “doesn’t stand up to scrutiny.” The club is expected to allow players who want to leave an opportunity to exit in January as they continue the process of reshaping and streamlining their roster.