Former Chelsea man Ray Wilkins says the club’s transfer business during the summer has cost them dearly.
Wilkins, formerly a player, coach and assistant manager at Stamford Bridge, has long argued that the Blues should have kept Diego Costa and Nemanja Matic.
Matic’s sale to rivals Manchester United particularly annoyed Wilkins – and summer signing Tiémoué Bakayoko has struggled in Chelsea’s midfield so far.
And while Alvaro Morata has made an impact up front, Michy Batshuayi remains unable to establish himself as a first-team regular.
Speaking on Talksport, former England midfielder Wilkins said he believed Chelsea are “running on empty” despite the season still being at a relatively early stage.
And he added: “They’ve only got one real centre-forward, Michy Batshuayi is not up to it, and the release of Costa has cost them dearly.
“The sale of Nemanja Matic too. Bakayoko could have come and backed him up, but he doesn’t look like he’s the real deal at the moment.
“The way things have gone for them in the market haven’t really helped them.”
Wilkins’ time on the coaching staff at Chelsea included a spell under Carlo Ancelotti, who has been linked with a return to the club amid speculation over manager Antonio Conte’s future.
Ancelotti has reportedly moved back to London, increasing speculation that he has a new job on the horizon.
“That’s pretty ominous. If Carlo’s going to live back in London then someone’s got to watch out,” Wilkins said.