Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson are among a group of up to 12 Chelsea players training separately from manager Xabi Alonso's main squad as the club navigates an overcrowded roster ahead of the new season, according to Telegraph.

However, Chelsea have moved away from the club's notorious "bomb squad" model of previous years. Rather than isolating unwanted players, the second group trains at the same time as Alonso's main group, on the same pitches, and with full access to first-team facilities — including changing rooms, dining areas, and training infrastructure. Previously, players in this situation were sent to Chelsea's academy building.

Transfer exits expected before the window closes

With more than 40 first-team players registered on the club's website, Chelsea and Alonso have been forced to split the squad as they count down to the season's start and the closure of the transfer window.

Jackson, Delap, defender Tosin Adarabioyo, and Axel Disasi are among those in the second group who could depart before the deadline. Delap had expressed a desire to remain at Stamford Bridge and prove himself, but a move away now looks increasingly probable. Jackson, meanwhile, has attracted interest from clubs in Europe and elsewhere in the Premier League.

Chelsea's striking plans take shape

The club are believed to be targeting a three-striker setup for the season ahead. Emmanuel Emegha, who arrived from Strasbourg in the summer, has been integrating with Alonso's main group and appears to be in contention for one of those spots.

Danny Welbeck and João Pedro — the club's first-choice striker — are set to form two-thirds of that attacking trio. New signing Jordan Henderson and Welbeck have both spent time in the second group as they build fitness and work back to full sharpness.

A more flexible approach

Chelsea's revised structure reflects a broader philosophy shift. The secondary group is not simply a holding pen for players the club wants to sell — it also accommodates players returning from injury or building match fitness, as well as those who could depart on loan, such as Mykhailo Mudryk, and a number of younger squad members.

Henderson has moved between both groups depending on his fitness levels, while others with uncertain futures have remained more firmly in the second training setup.