The Chelsea players not on international duty have stepped up preparations ahead of this weekend's clash against Bournemouth.
Xabi Alonso in Chelsea training.
Xabi Alonso in Chelsea training.(Image: Chelsea FC)
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Xabi Alonso has been putting the Chelsea players through their paces ahead of this weekend's clash. On Saturday, the Blues will look to climb the Premier League when they lock horns with Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea slumped to 10th in the English top flight when they lost to Brentford before the international break, with only a point keeping them in the top half of the table. The Blues had enjoyed a promising start to the new season, defeating Fulham and Brighton.
Chelsea then lost to Arsenal and drew with Hull City before suffering defeat again at the hands of Keith Andrews' side. Fortunately for the Spaniard, he's had about two weeks or so to steady the ship.
Levi Colwill, who's been one of the few players not to report for international duty, immediately set the tone at the start of the break. Speaking to club media, the Blues defender said: "[There have been] some good bits, some other not so good bits.
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"Luckily we’ve got a while now to try and improve. Hopefully, we will come out the other side flying, pick up our play, and become a better team."
So, with that being said, football.london has looked at five things you may have missed in Chelsea training this week.
Emegha rebuilds fitness
Emmanuel Emegha has stepped up preparations ahead of his long-awaited competitive debut for Chelsea. The Blues striker suffered a hamstring injury during a behind-closed-doors friendly win over Bromley back in July, and he hasn't featured since.
Before the international break, Alonso included Emegha among those who could be available for selection for the clash against Brentford. The 23-year-old was left out, though.
With Joao Pedro nursing an injury, Emegha could finally make his competitive debut for Chelsea this weekend. Given the nature of his muscle injury and Danny Welbeck's ability to lead the frontline in the meantime, it seems unlikely that the Netherlands international will start.
No Caicedo
Moises Caicedo, who's been nursing a calf injury he suffered in pre-season, has not been spotted in action at the club's training base in Surrey so far this week. The Chelsea midfielder missed the first two games of the new Premier League season before coming off the bench in the third, where he lasted no more than a quarter of an hour or so.
Alonso later apologised for rushing him back, and, as it stands, it remains unclear when he'll return to action. Caicedo was not called up by Ecuador for friendlies against South Korea, Japan and Panama, giving him time to recharge his batteries.
Chelsea wonderkid steps up
Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli has been involved in first-team training again. With Reggie Watson away with the England Under-17s, the Chelsea wonderkid had the opportunity to work closely with Alonso on the grass at Cobham, and potentially climb the pecking order.
He featured off the bench in the clash against Brentford just before the international break, becoming the first player born in 2010 to play in the Premier League and the Blues' youngest-ever player in the Premier League.
Welbeck sharpens his tools
In the absence of Joao Pedro, Welbeck could lead the Chelsea frontline this weekend. The Blues striker has been sharpening his tools on the grass at Cobham as he looks to open his account in the Premier League, having already bagged three in the Carabao Cup.
Fofana continues to nurse issue
Wesley Fofana has continued to nurse an injury. During the international break, the Chelsea defender has been sporting a bandage covering his hand and wrist, but it has not affected his ability to play, which is promising for Alonso.