Chelsea face fixture chaos with up to THIRTEEN games crammed into just six weeks after the Premier League's winter break, in a run that includes the Club World Cup, Champions League knock-outs AND the Carabao Cup final

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Chelsea could be forced to play thirteen games in just six weeks due to the chaotic nature of the top-flight schedule following the winter break.  

Premier League fixtures across the UK have been postponed due to a rising number of Covid cases among clubs. Therefore, games are having to be rearranged into what is already described as a hectic schedule. 

The addition of these Premier League fixtures alongside Carabao Cup, FA Cup and European knockout games could see teams such as Chelsea suffer.   

Tuchel's Chelsea side could play thirteen games in just six weeks due to the chaotic schedule

The Premier League recently confirmed the rearranged date for Chelsea's fixture with Brighton. 

Thomas Tuchel's side were initially due to travel to Brighton for their Premier League clash in February. 

However, Chelsea's involvement in the Club World Cup saw the date moved to December 29. 

But, the game was temporarily cancelled due to a Covid outbreak within the Blues squad.   

Therefore, the fixture will now take place on Tuesday the 18th of January, with an 8pm kick-off.  

However, the game could be postponed again if either side has to play an FA Cup replay. 

Should it all go ahead as planned, the fixture will take place between Chelsea's games against Manchester City and Tottenham. 

Tuchel will be somewhat irritated with the situation as it means Chelsea will have played 16 matches in just two months by the end of January.    

However, this is the least of their worries as they are still involved in five different competitions going forwards. 

Therefore, February and March could be relentless for the Blues, with Tuchel's side potentially set to play thirteen games in just six weeks.  

Chelsea were due to host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, February 12. However, their involvement in the Club World Cup saw the game get postponed. 

Therefore, Chelsea will have to carve out some time later in February or March to play the rearranged fixture. This could take place on either February 15/16 or March 8/9. 

Chelsea must play rearranged Premier League fixtures, scheduled Premier League fixtures, Carabao Cup, FA Cup and European knockout games during February and March

Speaking about Covid, Tuchel previously said: 'We are not just football players and coaches, we are also fathers and family members so we are also concerned'

Additionally, Chelsea may have to rearrange their fixture with Leicester on February 27 if they reach the Carabao Cup final. Therefore, they will be required to find another suitable date to host the visitors. 

On top of that, Chelsea must take part in four Premier League games against Crystal Palace, Burnley, Newcastle and Norwich. 

However, the Blues' fixture against Norwich could cause another complication as Chelsea could be required to play in the FA Cup quarter-final instead. 

Tuchel's side are also set to face Lille twice in the Champions League and take part in the FIFA Club World Cup during this time frame. 

Plus, to make matters worse for the London-based club, the number of injuries and Covid cases are growing within the Chelsea camp. 

Tuchel hit out at the hectic nature of the schedule after Chelsea's 1-1 draw against Brighton in December. 

Reece James (above) - who was flying for the Blues - will be out of action for two months

Ben Chilwell is set to miss the rest of the season after damaging his anterior cruciate ligament

He said 'everybody' is injured and confirmed he has 'no more wing-backs' after Reece James limped off in the first half and was pictured leaving Stamford Bridge on crutches. 

It has since been revealed that James - who was flying for the Blues this season - will be out of action for two months.  

Chelsea are also without Ben Chilwell - who suffered a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury against Juventus in November.

Chelsea’s number one goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is also away taking part in the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.

On top of that, Chelsea are struggling with a rise in Covid cases. The Blues have reported that both N’Golo Kante and Thiago Silva have now tested positive.

While the likes of Kai Havertz, Chilwell, Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner and Callum Hudson-Odoi were previously forced to isolate after catching Covid. 

Meanwhile, N’Golo Kante (left) and Thiago Silva have tested positive for coronavirus 

Tuchel previously spoke out about the hectic schedule and backed the call from Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick for five substitutes to be reintroduced

The Blues manager previously spoke out about the hectic schedule and backed the call from Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick for five substitutes to be reintroduced.

‘I would love to push for five substitutions, because five substitutions were made to protect the players during a difficult period when Covid popped up,’ he said. 

‘The situation is very serious, very demanding and very challenging. For the health of the players, if we decide to continue playing we should at least have five substitutions.’ 

Tuchel went on to speak about his concerns over Covid in general, saying: ‘It’s of course for us the same situation as for everyone else and we have concerns [over Covid].

‘We are not just football players and coaches, we are also fathers and family members so we are also concerned and have doubts and fears and uncertain situations which is not nice.