Occasionally the international football breaks can have positive affects for teams and players. It offers the chance for injured or unfit players to catch up without risking further damage, and it lets managers have a look at other potential players they want to bring in, or to have a look at their youth and development prospects. But for Jose Mourinho and his Chelsea squad, this international break must be turning into a bit of a nightmare.
With the Brazilian trio of Willian, Oscar and Filipe Luis all still out in Singapore playing in a pointless friendly against Japan and not due back into the UK until Thursday, the Blues’ midfield was already looking more than a little thin, given that after a 14 hour overnight flight, the players may well be too tired to play come Saturday.
German international winger Andre Schurrle may also be missing at the weekend, following his withdrawal from the German team due to play Ireland this evening due to a flu bug going around the team. Andre Schurrle being out already adds to Mourinho’s dilemma with his strikers and whether to play Diego Costa or replace him with Loic Remy. Both have come through their respective international obligations without further incident, but surely Diego Costa needs a break if Chelsea are to get the best out of him for the entire season?
Furthermore, if Remy is not seen as capable enough to play against Crystal Palace, what team can he play against? It may lead to a rather interesting team selection come Saturday afternoon, and may give rise to an opportunity for young Lewis Baker and a partially forgotten Mohamed Salah to make their bids for more game time. That said, it’s weeks like this that are the reason for the top Premier League clubs having such expansive squads. Let’s hope that Chelsea’s is capable enough to step up and do the job if required.