Where are the Chelsea players during this ridiculous, stupid break?

Despite it clearly being an awful idea on so many levels, the international break marches on. Where are the Chelsea players in this ridiculous schedule?

Up front, international football in the current climate is ridiculous, stupid, and irresponsible. That was all true last break as well but since then Covid has only gotten worse as a second (third?) wave has fully hit. Much of Europe is going into lockdown but the powers that be have decided if they die they die because money needs to be made. Not only that, in one of the tightest, craziest schedules in history, the same powers that be have decided for the second break in a row that there should be three matches. This isn’t about the game or trying to have normalcy, it is purely about money and damn everything else.

With that out of the way, if you choose to watch these matches that is fine. It isn’t anyone’s fault that these games are happening other than the mega rich who feel their overstuffed wallets getting slightly thinner. It’s like watching a movie online. You didn’t put it there. You’re just watching.

Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying: Edouard Mendy (Senegal) and Hakim Ziyech (Morocco)

Starting with the most normal break, Chelsea’s two African players only have two matches each. The Africa Cup of Nations was supposed to be moving into the summer to avoid the usual weirdness in January it brings for clubs, but Covid has had its effect on the schedule for that as well. Also it will be the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in…January and February of 2022 for maximum confusion.

It is too early in the qualifying stages to really know who is going to be there yet. Mendy’s Senegal currently sits top of their group with two wins from two as they face Guinea-Bissau home and away this break. Ziyech’s Morocco, meanwhile, sits top with four points off two matches. They play the Central African Republic home and away.

Both Mendy and Ziyech will be expected to start both matches and go the distance in both matches. That isn’t much of a concern with Mendy, but it might be of slight concern with Ziyech given his recent importance with Chelsea. Frank Lampard will have to manage that situation when he returns.

World Cup Qualifying: Thiago Silva (Brazil)

Oh yes, World Cup qualifying has already begun in some areas with Thiago Silva and Brazil sitting top of South America’s massive 10 team group so far. Every match in South America is pretty difficult and important so expect strong line ups from every single team.

On form, that probably means Silva starts both matches just like in October. Thankfully, Brazil isn’t adverse to subbing out centerbacks if they are ahead so Silva may not have to go the full 180 this break. Even still, expect him to be benched for Newcastle after he travels half the world to get back to London just like in October.