Chelsea could now face four years away from Stamford Bridge and a new stadium move-in date as late as 2023.

The Premier League leaders had outlined plans to move into their £500million 60,000-seat in time for the 2021-22 season — but that now looks unlikely. Club chiefs are increasingly resigned to four years on the road, with Wembley Stadium the most-likely destination.

Plans for a revamped Stamford Bridge were given the green light by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Hammersmith and Fulham Council earlier this year but issues with building rafts over the railway lines around the ground have been troublesome.

Chelsea face four years away from Stamford Bridge and a new stadium move-in date in 2023

Issues with building rafts over the railway lines around the ground have proved troublesome

Stamford Bridge chiefs are increasingly resigned to four years away from their home ground

The SW6 site of Chelsea's stadium is awkward as it is penned in by rail lines to the north and the east with only one exit road.

And the Blues now believe the redevelopment work will involve the team playing elsewhere for four years. Work is expected to begin next year with Chelsea moving out at the end of the 2018-19 season.

While Wembley remains the preferred option for the spell away, Chelsea say they are continuing to assess venues inside the M25. That includes a potential groundshare at West Ham's London Stadium.

Minutes from a fans' forum released this week stated: 'The club said it was still assessing requirements and considering options regarding a temporary stadium location.

The Stamford Bridge site is awkward as it is penned in by rail lines to the north and the east

SO WHERE WILL CHELSEA PLAY? Wembley Stadium Remains Chelsea's most-likely stopping point and they will have the benefit of seeing how Tottenham get on at the same venue next season. A four-year stay may face more opposition than Spurs' stint but there is also the possibility of playing with a lower 50,000 capacity, if all else fails. London Stadium, West Ham Chelsea officials visited the London Stadium in October and early problems have been mostly remedied. Potential for a 66,000 capacity would suit the Blues, even if sharing with rivals would cause some upset on both sides. Madejski Stadium, Reading A left-field choice — and one outside the M25. Reading have a capacity of just 24,161 but an expansion could be on the cards, particularly if Chelsea were to move in. Seeing the Blues leave London, albeit temporarily, would be met with some opposition. Twickenham Chelsea considered the 82,000-capacity Rugby HQ as an ideal and unique local spot for a football team to play at. But club sources say a deal is now effectively 'dead' after fierce objections from local politicians and residents. Advertisement

'There are many factors the club has to weigh up when considering where we play while the new stadium is being built. There are a number of potential temporary venues within the M25.'

Chelsea officials have considered over a dozen different options that even include a temporary move to Reading to share the Madejski Stadium.

Sources close to the club say any hopes of Chelsea taking up a residency at Twickenham have been left 'dead' by opposition from local politicians and residents.

And four years at Wembley would not come without its own problems, either. Tottenham's deal to play a single season at the 90,000-seater stadium was met by objections from residents earlier this year.

Residency at Wembley would not come without its own problems, as Tottenham found out

Brent Council had 164 representations ahead of their meeting over allowing Spurs to play their games at full capacity at Wembley — and all-but eight were objecting.

The council noted: 'A number of responses express concern at the possibility of a dangerous precedent being set in light of Chelsea FC stadium redevelopment and desire to relocate to Wembley for three seasons from 2018-19.'

However, Chelsea would be able to play games at the national stadium at a reduced capacity of 50,000 if they cannot convince Brent's planning committee to allow them to use all 90,000 seats.

There is also the possibility of using multiple venues during the four-year homelessness period — although the Premier League require clubs to fulfil all of their home games in a single season at the same ground.