What does Chelsea's transfer ban mean for Hazard, Morata, Higuain, Kovacic and Pulisic?

FIFA have hit Chelsea with a two-window transfer ban, meaning that they can't sign players until the summer of 2020 and meaning that the entire transfer market could be shaken up.

They may be able to appeal and postpone the punishment in order to sign players this summer, but that's not yet a certainty.

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are two third parties that could see their own plans disrupted if the ban does stand, while there are other clubs in a similar situation.

Here, we take a look at the specific situations of several of the club's key players.

Eden Hazard

The Belgian announced recently that he had made a decision on his future, having long been linked with a transfer to Real Madrid, but his situation may now change.

His contract runs to 2020 and there was a chance he could be sold this summer, but Chelsea may now shut the exit door since they wouldn't be able to replace him.

This, though, could see him depart as a free agent in the summer of 2020.

Alvaro Morata

The Spanish is striker is currently on loan at Atletico Madrid and his rights still belong to Chelsea.

Although his loan deal runs until the summer of 2020, there is a clause in his contract that would allow the Blues to recall him this June.

Yet Atletico Madrid could respond by triggering a purchase option at that moment in order to keep him.

Mateo Kovacic

Kovacic's rights belong to Real Madrid, but he is currently on loan at Stamford Bridge.

Although the 24-year-old has said he is happy in London and although he would like to stay, this sanction could change the situation.

Chelsea's intention was to negotiate a permanent transfer with Real Madrid, but that now seems impossible given their transfer ban.

Gonzalo Higuain

The Argentine's situation might be the most complicated.

He is on loan from Juventus until June of 2019 and there is a purchase option that will be obligatory should he fulfil some conditions that are very much achievable, yet activating this option would be viewed by FIFA as a new transfer.

If the transfer ban is applied before the Blues can extend the striker's contract then he would have to return to Juventus, so Chelsea are expected to ask for a provisional suspension of the sanction.

Christian Pulisic

The American will still be able to join Chelsea despite this sanction.

He signed with the London-based club in January and is currently remaining at Borussia Dortmund on a loan.

When that loan finishes at the end of this season, he can move to Stamford Bridge without any issues.

David Luiz, Olivier Giroud, Gary Cahill and Willy Caballero

These players' contracts expire in the summer, but can be renewed if the club desires.

Giroud could have his deal extended if there aren't other strikers able to join.

David Luiz is the second-most-used player under Maurizio Sarri, while Cahill has taken a less prominent role.

Caballero, meanwhile, is expected to be let go.