The international break is at an end and a return to Chelsea action is near.
Chelsea have a lot of quality in the squad, many of whom represented their country over the past week.
Between the senior and youth levels, 26 players in total went on duty. Some will be thrilled with the outcome of their travels, others not so much.
Here’s a breakdown of the biggest winners, and the biggest losers at Chelsea from the international break.
Chelsea’s biggest winners of the international break
Estevao Willian celebrating goal for Brazil
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Estevao
The biggest winner of the past week has been Chelsea’s Brazilian wonderkid. Estevao is matching pace with Pele right now, already scoring five goals in his short international career.
The 18-year-old continues to show so much excitement and promise — for club and country.
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Malo Gusto
Gusto put on another impressive France display against Azerbaijan, grabbing two assists and what would have been his first France goal, if not for the flag being raised.
After scoring his first Chelsea goal, the right-back appears to be growing in confidence.
Spain V Turkey - Fifa World Cup 2026 Qualifier Group E
Photo By Joaquin Corchero/Europa Press via Getty Images
Marc Cucurella
Spain’s ticket wasn’t quite secured coming into the break, but a win and draw were enough to secure them a spot at the World Cup.
Cucurella did have to play 180 minutes in the process, but hopefully he at least picked up some information about what weaknesses Chelsea can exploit when they face Barcelona next week. And he got a nice assist too.
Cobham
If you’re adding up performances, Chelsea’s Cobham Academy is by far the biggest winner of the break.
Jesse Derry got a hat-trick for the England U19s. Chelsea teammate Shumaira Mheuka was scoring for fun as well. Mathis Eboue got a hat-trick of his own for the U17s, and so many more were shining for England and countries further afield.
The academy staff at Cobham should be proud of the week their players have had.
Chelsea's Jesse Derry and Shumaira Mheuka in action for England Under-19s
Photo by Alius Koroliovas – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Chelsea’s biggest losers
Andrey Santos
It may have just been friendlies for Brazil, but all the more reason Santos would have been hoping for a chance. It never came, with Ancelotti happy to stick with Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes.
Santos has four caps for Brazil, but hasn’t been able to take the fight to those ahead of him. Joao Pedro only had one bench appearance, too, demonstrating how tight competition is in that side.
Fitness staff
It hasn’t been such a great week for those tasked with keeping/getting players fit.
As mentioned, Cucurella played 180 minutes, as did Moises Caicedo. Not to mention Palmer’s injury return date has been extended. Performance needs to be at the highest level entering such a busy part of the season, and the international break hasn’t done them any favours.