Eden Hazard exit leaves resilient Chelsea at a crossroads this summer

Only Chelsea can end the season with another major European trophy in the cabinet and go into the summer break with more questions about the future than answers.

Given all the crises and issues, the achievements of 2018-19, which includes qualifying for the Champions League via a top four finish, has to be regarded now as one of their most remarkable.

But that doesn’t mean all the problems have gone away, in fact things are about to get even tougher for the Blues.

Eden Hazard will shortly complete a move to Real Madrid and the team’s reliance on him is so great that the arrival of Christian Pulisic from Borussia Dortmund won’t be able to cushion the blow.

Speaking after the Europa League final, David Luiz anointed 18-year-old Callum Hudson-Odoi as Hazard’s successor. The England international certainly has huge potential, but won’t be fit for a while due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, nor will the unfortunate Ruben Loftus-Cheek for the same reason.

Then there is FIFA’s transfer ban and despite an initial desire to appeal against the punishment to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the feeling within the camp is that they’re considering accepting the two window embargo.

Many Chelsea fans will understandably regard the campaign as a success, but the reality check comes in the 26-point gap between themselves and Manchester City in the final Premier League standings.

Without the ability to strengthen the squad in the market, that margin is in danger of only getting bigger.

That negative sentiment is offset by the exciting possibility of their rich crop of academy talent getting an opportunity to impress.

Tammy Abraham and Ola Aina have already been earmarked for the squad, but there is also the possibility of Reece James, Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori being involved. Still, that is unlikely to have Manchester City or many Champions League opponents quaking in their boots.

At least Chelsea will have N’Golo Kante to call upon with his performance in Baku, following knee and hamstring injuries, inspirational to say the least.

The imminent appointment of former keeper Petr Cech in some kind of sporting director role also fills a void that’s existed since Michael Emenalo departed in November 2017.

Owner Roman Abramovich’s presence at a friendly in Boston a fortnight ago, as well as last night, eases some of the fears he’s fallen out of love with Chelsea.

The quandary for the next few days is whether the Russian billionaire sticks or twists with manager Maurizio Sarri.

Juventus want the 60-year-old and are prepared to pay £5million in compensation for his services, although have ambitious thoughts toward making a move for Mauricio Pochettino too.

Even an impressive win over rivals Arsenal won’t fix a fractured relationship between Sarri and some unhappy fans, who have been bored by the Italian’s style of play and crave an emotional reunion with Frank Lampard.

You could argue there is a gamble attached to either man being in the dug-out next term, but as Chelsea have proved once again this season, you should never write them off.