Following the signing of Christian Pulisic and the immediate deal to loan him back to Borrusia Dortmund, as it stands, Chelsea now have a huge 42 players away at other clubs.

Their transfer policy, especially regarding young players, is often criticised by fans - but in the FA Cup last Saturday, boss Maurizio Sarri gave some much-needed game time to a few of them. 

Andreas Christensen, Ethan Ampadu, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi all featured in Chelsea's starting 11 on Saturday, and the quartet really impressed fans. 

At the west London club, for a young player to avoid being sent out on loan is an achievement in itself - so they have to take every opportunity they're given. 

CHELSEA'S LOAN ARMY

Of the 42 players currently playing away from Stamford Bridge, there's one who's really impressed in the Championship this season - Mason Mount.

The midfielder was shipped off to Derby County last summer and has since flourished under his boss and Chelsea legend, Frank Lampard. 

In fact, the 19-year-old has already played a key part in Derby's impressive 2018/19 campaign, which sees them sitting sixth in the Championship, pushing for promotion.

Manager Lampard has won many plaudits too and with his team perhaps exceeding expectations, he's looking to bolster his personnel in January - and that decision has seen him turn to Chelsea once again. 

LAMAPRD'S MAKING INQUIRIES 

According to the Daily Mail, Super Frank has revealed that he's made an effort to sign another Blues starlet on a short-term deal - and the player he wanted was Ampadu. 

However, the club has made it clear that the youngster won't be leaving, even on a temporary basis.

"We have asked, but I don't think he's leaving Chelsea," Lampard told reporters.

"He [Ampadu] can play in a few positions, that's why he would be so valuable to anybody and why he's staying at Chelsea."

As the Derby boss says, the young Welshman is very versatile and he impressed in a midfield role against Forest - which is surely why Chelsea are so keen on keeping him.

In fact, for the club to rebuff even Lampard's attempt to land Ampadu on loan, shows just how highly they rate the 18-year-old.