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Chelsea player told to “stay at home” by pundit as injury pressures rise

The international break is upon us, and while Chelsea have been lucky enough to have a few major players pull out of playing for their country, others are jetting around the world to rack up more minutes.

That was a topic of discussion on the London is Blue podcast this week, where Ollie Glanville told players to think about their own health and drop out of national team duty.

Pundit calls for Caicedo to miss Ecuador friendly

Moises Caicedo duels in midfield for Ecuador. (Photo by Rodrigo Buendia/AFP via Getty Images)

“I don’t want another time this season where international breaks cause massive injury scares. Moi, I’m looking at you. Do we really need to go to the World Cup preview event – which is the Canada international friendly? Can we just stay at home there? There seems like some self-sustainment needing to happen there as well,” Glanville said.

“There’s a reason why top teams don’t always send their best players out. There has to be a time where you think about your own health, and I think that’s really important.”

What he underestimates is really just how important games like this are for patriotic players like Caicedo. It’s not just about raising your profile by playing for your country, it’s a genuine honour for many of them, and they’d gladly risk an injury to do it.

As Chelsea fans, it’s hard to not wish they’d all take a two week break and rest up – but you’ve got to see it from the players’ point of view too.

In other news…

Chelsea are still on the hunt for a dominant, physical leader at the back to help them in the new look Premier League, and a player they’ve had their sights on for years could be just what the doctor ordered.

One leader we already have is Reece James. He’s been fit for a year now, and has been among the best right backs in the league so far this season.