3 Chelsea loanees who could get chances with the club's transfer ban

Maurizio Sarri was appointed as Chelsea's new manager at the beginning of the season and despite early promise, the campaign hasn't gone too smoothly with a run of inconsistent results, surprising defeats and scrutiny placed at the Italian's doorstep along the way.

However, they are very much in contention to finish in the top four this term, whilst also finding themselves in the Europa League semi-finals. Winning that competition would provide them with a spot in next season's Champions League, regardless of whether they finish in the top four.

In February, FIFA banned the Blues from signing any players in the next two transfer windows. They stated the club had breached rules and regulations specific to 29 minor [under-18] players, as well as committing "several other infringements" which related to registration requirements for players.

Chelsea could have a major issue to address in the coming months, as talisman Eden Hazard might be angling for a lucrative switch to Real Madrid. With his existing deal set to expire next summer, they might be forced into selling their best player.

Callum Hudson-Odoi, one of the club's best youngsters, has attracted interest from many top European sides and was reportedly unhappy about his limited first-team action before Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich saw three bids rejected for him in January. Earlier this week against Burnley, he ruptured his Achilles and is expected to be sidelined for several months.

Despite this, the Blues have a huge army of loan players - 41 to be precise. Here are three of them who are expected to make an impact in first-team football for Chelsea next season:

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#3 Tammy Abraham (on-loan at Aston Villa)

Tammy (left) has excelled with Aston Villa this term, after previous loans at Bristol City and Swansea

Chelsea seem to have a major problem with regards to scoring goals, as their existing forwards are not clinical enough. Tammy Abraham could prove to be the perfect solution to their issue, as the 21-year-old has steadily developed over the past three seasons from loan spells at Bristol City, Swansea and currently Aston Villa in the Championship.

He has netted 25 goals and created three more in 39 appearances this term under Dean Smith, averaging a goal involvement every 116 minutes, which is impressive given his age and influence in a team battling for promotion. He's a strong dribbler and a set-piece threat given his aerial abilities. Gonzalo Higuain's loan could still be extended while Olivier Giroud has hinted at a potential exit this summer, so Sarri should certainly consider Tammy in senior plans for next season.

He has definitely proven his mettle consistently over recent seasons, while his Premier League experience with Swansea in 17/18 was encouraging too. There's no reason why he doesn't deserve to feature in the first-team next term.

#2 Reece James (on-loan at Wigan)

Reece has excelled with Wigan this season, proving a pivotal presence at the back to stave off relegation

With an ageing defence and the contracts of both David Luiz and Gary Cahill expiring this summer, it's expected that captain Cesar Azpilicueta will move back into central defence.

Currently on-loan at Wigan Athletic, Reece James has been brilliant this season, predominantly playing at right-back. A versatile player on the rise, he has also fulfilled his role at centre-back and slotting in well when called upon in defensive midfield upon occasion too.

The 19-year-old's impressive displays have not gone unnoticed either, as big clubs like Manchester United are said to be monitoring his progress and more than happy to snatch him up if the Blues continue loaning him out elsewhere. Given the current circumstances though, it's unlikely he'll be sold nor loaned again - the England under-20 international has already proven too valuable and should prove a welcome addition to Sarri's senior set-up over the coming months.

#1 Kurt Zouma (on-loan at Everton)

Zouma has impressed at Everton but is expected to return to west London and stake a starting spot claim too

Kurt Zouma is the final player who makes this list. The 24-year-old French international fell victim to a ruptured cruciate ligament injury in 2016 after a bright start to his Chelsea tenure.

After needing time and crucially, patience to recover fully from his injury, he joined Stoke on a season-long loan deal to earn more top-flight minutes in a low-maintenance environment. His excellent defensive performances were not enough to help the Potters avoid relegation to the Championship, though he earned a step-up in quality with another loan move in Europe-chasing Everton on deadline day last summer.

He settled in quickly at Goodison Park and has asserted his credentials as one of the first names in the starting eleven under Marco Silva's guidance. A brilliant reader of the game, the centre-back is certainly back on track to become one of the league's best defenders and although Everton are eager to keep hold of him on a permanent move - similar to Romelu Lukaku's deal five years ago - there is no clause to make his move a permanent one.

That plays out very well in Chelsea's favour, moreso if the transfer ban is actually enforced as the potential first-team departures will free up defensive spots for Zouma to compete there next term.