Chelsea could be forced to start serving their two-window transfer ban this summer over fears the punishment could be extended if they attempt to delay it.

And that means any successor to Maurizio Sarri will have to prepare for the nightmare scenario of losing Eden Hazard without being able to replace him before the start of next season.

Fifa have already turned down an appeal from Chelsea against the ban handed to them for the transfer of young foreign players.

An appeal has been made to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, but there has not yet been confirmation of an application being made for the ban to be frozen in the meantime.

The feeling around Stamford Bridge is growing that Chelsea are likely to start serving their ban this summer, regardless of when they find out the result of their appeal to CAS.