Essien, Lukaku and the loan stars who could help Chelsea

By Liam Twomey

As soon as Rafa Benitez began to talk about the number of games Chelsea have to play this season, it was only a matter of time before someone brought up the 22 - yes, 22 - players the Blues currently have out on loan.

Admittedly, many of the names on the list are raw youngsters badly in need of experience in less high-profile and less high-pressure leagues.

But there are some who could have contributed this season and perhapseased the burden on the Blues' ailing legs.

Here, Goal.com takes a look at some of the names Benitez could do with having at Stamford Bridge...

1. 

   1. Michael Essien

2. 

   2. Romelu Lukaku

3. 

   3. Kevin De Bruyne

4. 

   4. Josh McEachran

5. 

   5. Thibaut Courtois

6. 

   6. Lucas Piazon