Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has clearly identified a core group of players that he wants to use on a regular basis.

There are 15 or 16 members of the first-team squad who have been given over 250 minutes across 9 games in all competitions.

However, there are several high-profile names who Alonso has not given game time to for one reason or another, and they may be considering their futures if they don’t play more often before the January transfer window opens.

Press the next page as we list 5 players who may try to leave in the New Year in search of more minutes.

1) Aaron Anselmino – 0 mins

The Argentinian defender has only made the matchday squad once so far this season – that was the Carabao Cup second-round tie against Luton in August.

A thigh injury has limited Anselmino’s availability, but there is no indication that he is currently on the treatment table.

Whatever the reason for his absence, it is more than likely that the 21-year-old will be loaned out again in January, having spent time at Borussia Dortmund and Strasbourg last season.

2) Geovany Quenda – 28 mins

Many believed that the teenager would be perfectly suited to Alonso’s 3-4-3 system. After all, he made his senior debut for Sporting as a wingback.

However, Alonso has used Quenda sparingly so far, giving him brief cameo appearances off the bench against Fulham, Brentford and Everton.

The 19-year-old is pretty far down the pecking order, and with no European football, the domestic cups will be his only chance to get meaningful game time. He may request a loan in January if things continue as they are.

3) Jamie Gittens – 55 mins

The winger is currently sidelined with an ankle injury that he picked up during the last international break, but even before that setback, Alonso wasn’t picking him.

Gittens made the matchday squad for the first 5 Premier League matches, but he was an unused substitute. Even in the Carabao Cup, where he was expected to start, Alonso only gave him 10 minutes against Luton before hauling him off at halftime versus Leeds in the next round.

Roma were heavily linked with the England Under-21 international in the summer, and you would not be shocked if the Giallorossi do sign him (at least on loan) in January.

4) Estevao – 154 mins

Chelsea do want to keep the Brazilian, who they believe has a massive future, and there are reports that the Blues are keen to tie him down to a new contract.

However, Estevao is ambitious and he wants to be playing on a regular basis. At the moment, Alonso isn’t giving him a lot of opportunities, with only 29 minutes so far in the Premier League.

The winger was also an unused substitute against Everton at the weekend, and you do think that things will come to a head if his playing situation hasn’t changed by January.

5) Malo Gusto – 388 mins

The Frenchman started 3 of Alonso’s first 4 games in charge, but since the 2-2 draw against Hull City five and a half weeks ago, he has barely got a look in, with just 2 minutes in total.

Marco Palestra’s return to fitness, combined with Pedro Neto’s impressive recent form, means that Gusto could be overlooked for the right wingback spot over the coming weeks.

With that being the case, you cannot rule out a potential departure in January if a good enough offer is received. Chelsea were looking for £70m in the summer.