With the international break halfway through this weekend as the Premier League pauses, a number of Chelsea players are keeping fit by representing their countries ahead of, for many, this summer’s World Cup tournament which takes place in Russia.
The Stamford Bridge outfit have a number of international stars in their first team, as well as a number of talents that turn out for a host of other clubs as they look to gain first-team experience or try and win a place in the senior side upon their return.
We review which players featured for their country’s final preparations ahead of this summer’s competition, whilst also looking ahead to their next round of international fixtures over the coming days.
Olivier Giroud and N’Golo Kante
Both of these Chelsea men featured for France in their defeat to Colombia at the Stade de France. The former Arsenal man had scored the opener for Les Blues, however, he has recently admitted that he is frustrated with how his career has begun at Stamford Bridge.
Kante played the whole 90 minutes for Didier Deschamps’ side as they were rocked by the South American outfit ahead of their World Cup campaign. They will be looking to get back on track when they take on the tournament hosts Russia at the Saint Petersburg Stadium.
Victor Moses
The wing-back played a massive role for the Super Eagles as they beat Poland 1-0 in the first of their World Cup warm-up games, although the Chelsea player has not exactly come out smelling like roses.
Moses looked as though he had dived to win a penalty on the hour mark, which he had converted, with Chelsea fans hoping he will not bring that trait back to West London with him. Nigeria will face Serbia in their next international friendly.
Willy Caballero
The Cup specialist goalkeeper, who has been playing second fiddle to Thiabult Courtois since arriving from Manchester City, made his debut for Argentina at the age of 36 against Italy.
Caballero kept a clean sheet and played the full 90 minutes as he saw his country defeat the Europeans 2-0, which has increased calls from a number of Chelsea fans for him to be given the number one spot on a more permanent basis.
Argentina will face Spain on Tuesday and Caballero will be looking to remain in the starting XI for one of Europe’s biggest tests.
Cesar Azpilicueta, Marcos Alonso and Antonio Rudiger
All three did not feature when Spain and Germany met in a 1-1 draw on Friday, although Antonio Conte may be happy as they will remain rested for the return of the domestic season. Alonso is yet to win his first cap for Spain, although he could get his chance when they meet Argentina in the next round of fixtures.
Willian
One of Chelsea’s most consistent players this season travelled back to Russia, where he once played club football, with Brazil as they triumphed in a 3-0 victory in Moscow.
The winger continued his fine form for the club with his country, helping to provide two of the three goals scored, making him a key man for the men in Yellow, as they head into the summer’s tournament as one of the main favourites to lift the trophy.
Brazil will face main rivals for the World Cup trophy Germany in a friendly on Tuesday, with many remembering Die Mannschaft’s famous 7-1 victory in the previous competition.
Andreas Christensen
The defender was sent home before Denmark faced Panama, who are this year’s shock qualifiers for the competition, with fatigue. The 21-year-old has reportedly asked club legend and former captain John Terry for advice after he became concerned with his form as the season approaches its final stages.
It is unlikely he will feature for the Danes when they face Chile next Tuesday.
