It will be rather quiet at Chelsea’s Cobham training base over the next ten days or so with the second international break of the season now upon us.
Not even feeling that long ago since a number of the squad departed for the first round of international games in the 2024/25 campaign, now the second break
is here and Chelsea fans are going to have to wait a little bit longer for the next Premier League fixture. While many of the squad have flown to the other side
of the world to play for their respective countries, Enzo Maresca still has a few players to work with ahead of the trip to Liverpool, which will give some of those
who don’t play international football the opportunity to spend quality time with Maresca and the coaching staff in the hope of earning a place in the Chelsea
squad at Anfield. In his club interview after the draw with Nottingham Forest, Maresca was asked how the next two
weeks at Cobham would go. “We have seven or eight players, so we’ll focus on them and see what they can do,” he said.
Three of Chelsea’s four first-team goalkeepers are away on international duty this month, leaving Marcus
Bettinelli as the only senior keeper remaining at the club’s home ground. Maresca will be well-equipped with
defenders next week, as only four regular league defenders are called up for selection.
Axel Disassi, Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile are central defenders at the manager’s disposal, and with
Wesley Fofana suspended for the Anfield match, the trio have a golden opportunity to catch the manager’s eye.
Spain international Marc Cucurella, who will play away this month, is also suspended, opening the door for the left-back position.
Ben Chilwell could conceivably force his way into Maresca’s squad for the Merseyside game and he has a real
chance to impress this week. Frost Defender’s Rice Games is also in Kobam when he departs for the return of injury.
It is not clear when the academy graduates are going well after the problem of the popliteal tendon, but
Maleste and his team will be faster than what he can move. I want it. The Italians also have three midfielders who have
established themselves in the team and will be looking to work together in the coming days.
There was no place for Jadon Sancho in the England squad despite his impressive performances in west London since
joining on loan from Manchester United, meaning the winger will be refreshed and ready to play in time for the
Liverpool clash. In terms of increasing the number of players taking part in training this week, Maresca could
conceivably accommodate some of the club’s talented young players who will not be playing for their countries during the international break.
