Things could've been worse for the London club had they not underwent a small resurgence that saw them win three straight matches in all competitions, including their final two league games prior to the break.

Former Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly is encouraged by the turn-around, but he hasn't seen enough to expect the club to challenge for top four this season.

"I don't see Chelsea achieving a top-four finish," Desailly told Gambling Zone. "It pains me to say that, but it's the truth!

"I hope I'm wrong, but I don't see how they can do that. Chelsea have too many players who need to adapt and perform week in, and week out.

"There'll be no hiding, and every player needs to step up. The team has had their drop in form, and now it looks like they're getting better."

While Desailly feels the club can continue to get good results, the longtime former France international doesn't think his former side is ready to challege the Premier League's heavy hitters at the top of the table. 

"The closer they get to the top four, the greater the pressure on them will be," he said. "People will be congratulating them the better the results get, but with that comes an increase in pressure.

"Chelsea also need to digest the belief of becoming one of the top four. It's all about rebuilding a new foundation of the club with talented players.

"It's good to see them generating confidence because they were so poor for so long. There were so many mistakes.

"Sometimes I watch Chelsea and I'm so disappointed, but other times I think they're amazing. The potential is there."