Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
The Chelsea squad who are set to represent their countries in the upcoming extended international break include a number of top stars, although also one player yet to feature in the Premier League will join them.
Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers are both in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, with Reece James and Levi Colwill being left out as a precaution for their own fitness.
Joao Pedro was selected by Carlo Ancelotti for Brazil duty, but has since withdrawn and is a fitness doubt for tonight’s West London derby against Brentford.
Let's see what our lad Danny can do. He's still got it. We just need to make sure Estèvão gets plenty of minutes. I'd bang him up front to start with and then switch in Danny Welbeck halfway through second half and drop Estèvão back for Cole (give him some time off)
Jamie Gittens called up for England U21s despite no Premier League minutes for Chelsea
The star-studded Chelsea attack is set to look a bit different tonight in the absence of Pedro, and could open up an opportunity for Jamie Gittens to make his first league appearance of the season.
Despite not yet being handed the full trust of Xabi Alonso, the England U21s have seen enough to call him up to their international squad for the upcoming fixtures.
He has been joined in the squad by Josh Acheampong, who has made far more of an impact on Alonso since the Spaniard took over at Stamford Bridge.
The defender has started four of their six games so far this season, and is in line to appear again against Brentford tonight.
The same fortunes have not met Gittens though, and he could be forced to use the international break to make a statement to his manager.
Chelsea v Leeds United - Carabao Cup Third Round
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Gittens asked to leave this summer
Gittens reportedly asked to leave the club over the summer despite the fact that he had been playing a key role in the club’s pre-season campaign.
Roma showed an interest in signing the winger late in the transfer window, however Chelsea decided not to engage in business after already parting ways with Alejandro Garnacho.
It remains to be seen if the Blues return to this possible avenue in the future, with a potential swap deal for midfielder Manu Kone on the table.