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Chelsea’s first-team internationals return, some to an uncertain future

By Ben Croft

TRNAVA, SLOVAKIA - SEPTEMBER 04: Gary Cahill of England tangles with Michal Duris of Slovakia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Group F qualifying match between Slovakia and England at City Arena on September 4, 2016 in Trnava, Slovakia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
TRNAVA, SLOVAKIA - SEPTEMBER 04: Gary Cahill of England tangles with Michal Duris of Slovakia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Group F qualifying match between Slovakia and England at City Arena on September 4, 2016 in Trnava, Slovakia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea had 13 players from the first-team squad represent their countries during the international break. What will they bring back to the Blues from their globe-trotting, and what lies in store back home?

eden hazard, belgium
Eden Hazard of Belgium (L) during the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying match between Belgium and Bosnia and Herzegovina on September 3, 2015 at the Koning Boudewijn Stadium in Brussels, Belgium.(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images) /

Between World Cup qualifiers, U21 tournaments and random friendlies, the Blues dispersed widely over the international break. As Chelsea sets up to continue their perfect start to the season at Swansea City, the clubs’ first-team internationals will look to regain their rhythm of Premier League and cup play over the next few weeks.

Belgium: Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois and Michy Batshuayi

Belgium kicked off their road to Russia’s 2018 World Cup with a comfortable 3-0 win against Cyprus in Nicosia. Eden Hazard went the full 90 and Thibaut Courtois kept the clean-sheet, which will add to his confidence and stability in the Premier League.

Michy Batshuayi came on with 17 minutes remaining. Unfortunately for Chelsea’s summer signing, he missed a penalty in the final minutes of the game. He expressed his disappointment in a typically Michy way.

Michy Batshuayi may also be disappointed with his lack of minutes. He has been the Blues’ saviour in the opening games, but Belgium’s new skipper Roberto Martinez has not found a place for him in the starting XI. Batshuayi has a resilient attitude, so he will take extra motivation from the missed penalty and starting on the bench. If Antonio Conte brings Batshuayi on against Swansea City, expect the young Belgian to further make his case for inclusion in the Blues’ – and Red Devils’ – starting XI.

Spain: Diego Costa and Cesar Azpilicueta

Spain got off to a flying start in their World Cup qualifying campaign with an 8-0 victory at home to Liechtenstein. Costa scored twice and came off shortly after. Having broken a 23-month scoring drought, he was much more heartened by his first international brace than he was disappointed in not making it a hat trick.

Cesar Azpilicueta was an unused substitute behind preferred full-backs Jordi Alba and Dani Carvajal.

Cesc Fabregas and Pedro did not make the squad given their dearth of minutes for Chelsea. Both players, but particularly Fabregas, have a difficult fight to earn their way into regular playing time for both club and country.

Fabregas’ path back to Spain’s national side may well be blocked by Oscar, N’Golo Kante and maybe even David Luiz. Their two-way excellence for Chelsea will offer little opening for Fabregas to see any playing time in Blue. Fabregas will need to be uncharacteristically tenacious and versatile with whatever minutes he gets if he hopes to wear Spain’s crest in future rounds.

Next: Brazil and Nigeria

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