Enzo Maresca, the manager of Chelsea, warns that “problems” may arise if the team is unable to reduce its sizable squad before the transfer window shuts.
With 11 signings completed thus far this summer, the Blues have added almost 40 individuals to their senior team.
England internationals Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell were among perhaps fifteen players instructed to practice apart from the main first-team squad, according to Maresca earlier this week.
“At the moment, with the squad that we have, I am working with 22, 23 or 21 players – not with the 42 players, otherwise it is impossible,” Maresca stated.
“It is impossible for any manager in the world to make a session with 45 players. It’s impossible. You cannot do that.”
Sterling was left out of Maresca’s first Premier League squad, for the 2-0 home defeat by Manchester City on Sunday, while he also missed their Europa Conference League play-off first-leg win against Servette on Thursday.
The forward’s representatives said in a statement on Sunday that they wanted “clarity” over Sterling’s future at the club, since when Maresca has said he had already made his position clear.
BBC Sport understands Crystal Palace are interested in the 29-year-old, while there are reports he has been offered to Aston Villa.
England midfielder Conor Gallagher has left for Atletico Madrid – in an unpopular move with some sections of Chelsea’s support – with fellow home-grown star Armando Broja set to join Ipswich in a loan move with an obligation to buy.
Several other players appear to have uncertain futures, including defenders Chilwell, Axel Disasi and Trevoh Chalobah, and midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka.
“I just communicate the players that I like and the players I don’t like and because there is one week, or 10 days, left of the transfer window, hopefully we can find solutions for all of them,” Maresca said.
“When you find solutions, everyone is happy. When you don’t find a solution, then you can create some problems.”
The transfer window closes on Friday, 30 August.