Cesc Fabregas is battling the biggest challenge of his illustrious career.
The former Arsenal and Brcelona star cut a sorry figure last night in the dugout as he failed to make the team for the Blues" opening Premier League fixture against West Ham United.
Chelsea won the thrilling derby 2-1, with a last-gasp goal from Diego Costa.
But it was the absence of Fabregas that is the min talking point from head coch Antonio Conte's first competitive match following his arrival in the summer.
Conte hs made no secret of his desire to I still an ultra-intensity into his team and it would pear that Fabregas simply does not fit the profile required.
While publically supporting Cesc and saying that the squad is happy and they are buying into his philosophy, it clear that there will be winners and losers when it comes to team selection.
Conte opted for Victor Moses and Pedro to change the game when James Collins equalised Eden Hazard's second half penalty instead of the more precise, yet slower Fabregas.
There will be no shortage of suitors for Fabregas with Real Madrid likely to be his preferred destination, despite his Barcelona upbringing.
Who will last longer at Stamford Bridge - Conte or Cesc? Have your say in the messageboard now.