In fact, excluding a gap between matches because of Christmas, this week is the first without a fixture for Chelsea on Tuesday or Wednesday since August. Our run to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, as well as the extra two Champions League group stage games, are contributing factors.

Rosenior gave the players four days off following our FA Cup triumph on Humberside, with several heading for sunnier climes during what has been an especially cold and wet few weeks in England. Joao Pedro, Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernandez and Pedro Neto all spent time together in Dubai, for example, and Rosenior explained that was the plan.

‘I looked at the players’ schedule over the last 18 months, two years – and we’ve spoken about injuries and trying to maximise the availability of the group – and I actually encouraged the players to go and get some sun,’ said Rosenior.

‘They have been at it non-stop for 18 months and, sometimes, the best way to rejuvenate yourself, the best way to be fit and fresh, is to switch off and take some time.

‘So that was my idea. I know people may question it if we don’t win games after that, but in the moment, I thought it was the right thing for the players considering the workload they’ve had.’

Since the players returned to Cobham on Wednesday morning, the head coach noted they have reacted well to their time off. He expects them to maintain those levels as the busy schedule resumes.

‘Training has been good in the last two days,’ said Rosenior.

‘Since I’ve been in, the players’ level of engagement, intensity in training, what they are giving me, it’s been consistently excellent, and it needs to continue that way for us to be successful.’