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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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Brazil’s Willian (L) and Colombia’s midfielder Macnelly Torres vie for the ball during their Russia 2018 World Cup football qualifier match in Manaus, Brazil, on September 6, 2016.(CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/Getty Images)
Brazil’s Willian (L) and Colombia’s midfielder Macnelly Torres vie for the ball during their Russia 2018 World Cup football qualifier match in Manaus, Brazil, on September 6, 2016.(CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/Getty Images) /

Brazil: Willian

Willian played 61 minutes as Brazil cruised to a 3-0 win over Ecuador. He also started against Colombia but came off with 25 minutes remaining as Brazil won 2-1.

Willian missed Chelsea’s fixture against Watford through a slight calf injury but he featured in the other two league games. Antonio Conte will continue to reward Willian’s energy and the width he provides for the team with more starting XI roles.

Nigeria: Victor Moses and Mikel John Obi

Olympic bronze medalist Mikel Jon Obi and his countryman Victor Moses started against Tanzania in an African Cup of Nations “rubber match.” The Super Eagles won 1-0, playing for only pride having previously been eliminated from the AFCON tournament.

Victor Moses has again impressed this season when he has managed to earn playing time, but still is unlikely to be in Antonio Conte’s starting XI. Chelsea’s competition for places on the wing is very strong, and Moses has no real chance to get ahead of Willian or Hazard unless they are injured or suspended.

Obi surprised many last season with some good performances during Guus Hiddink’s reign. His Olympic commitments precluded him making an early impression on Antonio Conte. With Kante, Nemanja Matic, Fabregas or even Oscar ahead of him, his road to the pitch is equally difficult.

He has shown true loyalty to Chelsea despite being in and out of the team which speaks volumes on how much he cares for the club. He has one year left on his contract – will 2016/17 be one last hurrah for the Nigerian?

Next: England, France and Serbia

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