Cole Palmer during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Brentford and Chelsea FC at Gtech Community Stadium.
Cole Palmer has withdrawn from the England squad due to a muscle injury.(Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
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The international break means that Chelsea now have just under three weeks until they are next back in action. The break gives Xabi Alonso extra time to work with his squad on the training pitch.
When the action returns, Chelsea will be keen to bounce back from the disappointment of the 3-0 away loss against Brentford in their last outing. The result leaves them in 10th place in the Premier League table, having won two, drawn one and lost two of their opening five games.
The squad Alonso will be working with will, however, be in reduced numbers, due to the international commitments of several members of the squad. Players will be jetting off around the world to represent their nations.
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In a worry for Alonso, there have been a couple of withdrawals from international duty. Both Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro will remain at Cobham as they manage injuries.
With that in mind, here is a look at the latest from the Chelsea treatment room over the international break.
Cole Palmer
Injury: Muscle
The midfielder was recalled to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the current international break, but has since withdrawn due to load management . Chelsea sources have said his withdrawal is due to a muscular injury .
Potential return date: Vs Bournemouth (H), Sat 10 October
Reece James
Injury: Hamstring
The full-back suffered the injury during the draw with Hull City and was unavailable for the clash against Brentford before the international break.
What Alonso has said: "He's had a little injury in his hamstring. He tried and we waited until this morning. He tried to make it but he couldn't now we have enough time to prepare for the next one. He was just short of recovering."
Potential return date: Vs Bournemouth (H), Sat 10 October
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Joao Pedro
Injury: Knee
The striker missed the clash against Brentford due to the injury. It was also confirmed last week that he had withdrawn from the Brazil squad over the international break.
What Alonso has said: "In terms of injuries and in terms of the squad, we are having the last training session tomorrow, so no one is ruled out for us for Friday (vs Brentford). We will see tomorrow if Joao is ready to play, it’s a possibility."
Potential return date: Vs Bournemouth (H), Sat 10 October
Moises Caicedo
Injury: Calf
The midfielder suffered a calf injury in pre-season, and lasted less than 15 minutes in his comeback vs Brighton last month.
What Alonso has said : "He's getting closer. At this moment, we will see tomorrow (vs Brentford); he has not been able to play, so we have had to cope with that situation."
Potential return date: Vs Bournemouth (H), Sat 10 October
Moises Caicedo has to go off shortly after being substituted on due to injury during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Chelsea FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge.
Moises Caicedo has played just 14 minutes so far this season.(Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
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Marco Palestra
Injury: Knock
The summer signing suffered an injury before the season opener against Fulham, meaning the wait for his Chelsea debut goes on.
What Alonso has said: “Tomorrow is the final decision. Sorry to repeat myself, but before the players know, we need to assess all the positions with the last training and tomorrow we will make the decision for the game in Brentford.”
Potential return date : Vs Bournemouth (H), Sat 10 October
Emmanuel Emegha
Injury: Hamstring
The summer signing suffered the problem during pre-season, but is yet to make his debut despite being on the bench for the Carabao Cup second round tie vs Luton Town.
What Alonso has said: "Not tomorrow... we hope they can be [ready] against Brentford, but we will see."