There are not as many Chelsea players as people expected there to be representing their nations at the upcoming World Cup.
Despite the plethora of Brazilian stars in the current Chelsea squad, Carlo Ancelotti decided not to pick Joao Pedro or Andrey Santos, with Estevao Willian ruled out with injury.
Cole Palmer is missing from the England squad, while Romeo Lavia was left out of the Belgium side who are now firmly in an era without Eden Hazard leading the way.
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The only World Cup group stage match where Chelsea players will face each other
Of the limited number of Chelsea players at the tournament, only France and Senegal will see Chelsea representatives face each other in the group stages.
Malo Gusto is expected to play a key role for France, who are one of the favourites to win the tournament this summer.
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The Senegal game will pose a tough test for them early on though, and see current Chelsea defender Mamadou Sarr line up for them.
They will also surely start Nicolas Jackson, who has spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Bayern Munich from Chelsea.
Both men were present for the African Cup of Nations final, which has since been awarded as a victory to Morocco.
Jackson spent the majority of the season playing second fiddle to Harry Kane, ultimately leading to that move not being made permanent.
The Senegal star will likely be playing for his future at the upcoming World Cup, whether that is with Chelsea or another club.
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Jackson’s uncertain future
It has been reported that Jackson is open to staying at Chelsea if he is going to be handed the chance to be a key player again.
This leaves an interesting decision at the door of Xabi Alonso, who will already be inheriting Pedro in the striker role.
However, there is already an appetite to part ways with Liam Delap after his woeful first campaign at Stamford Bridge.
Bringing Jackson into the fold again could also allow Pedro to make more of an impact from a deeper role, a position he has played in throughout his Premier League career.
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