Chelsea

The Blues have spent much of the campaign outside of the top seven in the Premier League standings, the position that is required to earn a return to continental football.

However, in recent matches, Mauricio Pochettino's side have showcased some of their best form, collecting seven points from matches against Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.

As a result, Chelsea have since overtaken Manchester United in the race for seventh place, and even hold hope of gatecrashing the top six with the Red Devils still to play Newcastle United.

Should the West Londoners defeat Nottingham Forest, Brighton & Hove Albion and Bournemouth in their remaining three fixtures, they will be guaranteed at least a top-seven finish.

Chelsea facing potential issues with UEFA

Nevertheless, as has been persistently documented throughout the season, Chelsea's spending in recent transfer windows and recorded losses could cause them issues going forward.

Co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are already facing issues to meet the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations by the next accounting date of June 30.

Needing to ensure that they do not make a £105m loss over a three-year period, Chelsea have already posted losses of in excess of £200m for the past two campaigns.

According to Football Insider, UEFA's more stringent rules mean that passing those regulations will prove far more difficult.

The report says that Chelsea are facing being banned from UEFA competitions should they fail to generate a substantial sum through player sales in the short term.

UEFA have handed out bans to the likes of Galatasaray and Juventus in recent seasons. Juventus accepted that decision ahead of 2023-24 as they were also presented with a €20m fine, with only half the sum needing to be paid should they meet UEFA's financial requirements in the long term.

Can Chelsea realistically avoid any ban or punishment?

Given the amount of players that they have on their books, it is not out of the question that Chelsea can meet the financial thresholds required.

Thiago Silva's wages will come off the outgoings, Lewis Hall is joining Newcastle United for £28m and Borussia Dortmund seem increasingly likely to sign Ian Maatsen on a permanent deal, Chelsea hoping to recoup in the region of £30m and £35m.

However, more work will be required. Boehly and Clearlake Capital are already said to be looking for offers for Armando Broja, and other homegrown players such as Trevoh Chalobah and Conor Gallagher will be considered for exits.

In terms of their loan players, Hakim Ziyech will sign for Galatasaray, while Chelsea will push to sell Kepa Arrizabalaga and Romelu Lukaku as soon as possible.