Graham Potter says some players will be “disappointed” when Chelsea submit their Champions League squad after the club’s £289million outlay in January.
The Blues have signed eight players during the transfer window, but according to UEFA rules only three can be added to their squad for European matches.
Clubs must notify UEFA of their squad changes by midnight on Thursday.
However, Chelsea boss Potter said he was “excited” about the challenge his bigger squad will bring.
“There are going to be some awkward conversations. This is the reality of where we are,” he said.
“Only 11 can play and only a certain number can be in squads, so there will always be a certain number who will be disappointed.”
Chelsea spent £289million during the January transfer window, taking their total spending since American businessman Todd Boehly took possession in May to over £550million on 17 new players.
“Challenge is the right word. Definitely not complaining about it – it’s exciting,” Potter said.
“It’s a test for me and the staff, but exciting. We have a lot of very good players.
“We have to create an environment where there is competition – healthy competition where they can push each other – but at the same time understand that there will be frustration sometimes and only 11 can play.”
Meanwhile, Potter said he was “very pleased” with the signing of midfielder Enzo Fernandez from Benfica.
Chelsea completed a Record-breaking €121m (£107m) UK deal for the 22-year-old Argentine World Cup winner on Tuesday’s transfer deadline day.
“I found out we signed Enzo when it was all done and I’m very happy because he’s a fantastic player,” Potter said.
“My Spanish isn’t very good, his English isn’t very good, so we had to rely on the translator, but we’ll get there!” He is an impressive young man. »
However, he added he was unsure whether Fernandez would be cleared to play against Fulham on Friday (20:00 GMT).
Potter also said Morocco winger Hakim Ziyech, 29, was back in Chelsea training after the collapse of his loan project at Paris Saint Germain.
The move was blocked by France’s governing body, the LFP, as the necessary transfer documentation was not submitted on time.
“He’s back. He practiced this morning,” Potter said. “He’s a professional. He understands. He’s committed, he’s available. He’ll be an important player for the rest of the season.”
Chelsea are 10th in the Premier League, 10 points off the competition’s four Champions League spots after 20 games.
