Xabi Alonso has three weeks or so to prepare Chelsea's clash against Bournemouth after the international break.
Reece James of Chelsea during for a training session at Chelsea Training Ground on September 3, 2026 in Cobham, United Kingdom
Reece James during Chelsea training at Cobham.(Image: Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
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As many as 10 Chelsea stars will have the chance to work closely with Xabi Alonso on the training pitches at Cobham during the international break. There's a lot of work to be done at the training base in Surrey, as Xabi Alonso looks to lead the Blues back to winning ways after a few disappointing results.
Chelsea enjoyed a promising start to the new Premier League season, storming past Fulham at Craven Cottage and Brighton at Stamford Bridge. Arsenal then knocked the Blues down a peg or two, coming from behind at the Emirates Stadium to lay down a marker.
Alonso's side surrendered another early lead the following weekend when they were held to a draw by Hull City on home turf. Brentford extended Chelsea's winless streak in the English top-flight on Friday night, putting three past Emi Martinez at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The Blues could subsequently spend the international break in the bottom half of the Premier League table, having banked just seven points from five games.
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Fortunately for Alonso, those who will not be representing their country over the next three weeks or so will have the opportunity to work closely with him as he looks to plug Chelsea's backline.
Cole Palmer was recalled to the England squad by Thomas Tuchel, joining Morgan Rogers at St. George's Park, but Reece James, who's nursing an injury, and Levi Colwill were left out.
Emiliano Martinez and Valentin Barco will jet off to Argentina as Lionel Scaloni's side prepares to bid farewell to Lionel Messi, who recently announced his retirement from international duty.
Estevao Willian was recalled to the Brazil squad by Carlo Ancelotti, but Joao Pedro dropped out due to injury. Mike Penders and Romeo Lavia earned places in the Belgium squad, while Zinedine Zidane named Maxence Lacroix in his first France squad since replacing Didier Deschamps as head coach.
The Netherlands and Portugal have also appointed new managers since the World Cup in the summer, signing Xavi Hernandez and Jorge Jesus, respectively. They each called up Jorrel Hato and Pedro Neto in their first squads.
Josh Acheampong and Geovany Quenda will feature for the under-21s of England and Portugal, respectively, leaving Marco Palestra, who's only recently returned to training, Danny Welbeck, Jamie Gittens, Jordan Henderson, Malo Gusto, Pep Chavarria, Wesley Fofana, and Aaron Anselmino among those also at Cobham.
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Moises Caicedo and Emmanuel Emegha will also have the chance to recharge their batteries over the next three weeks, but they're currently nursing knocks.
After the international break, Chelsea will look to return to winning ways when they face Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, October 10, and Alonso will hope the extra time on the grass bears fruit.