It is safe to say that Chelsea have been struggling in recent weeks. Of course, not all of it is down to their performances on the pitch. One cannot overlook the list of injury problems that they are dealing with at the moment as well. The likes of Cole Palmer, Liam Delap, Levi Colwill and Dario Essugo are out injured. On the other hand, several others are believed to be carrying knocks and fitness issues as well, although they have played through them at times.
As a result, the upcoming international break might provide Chelsea with a much-needed breather and a chance for its players to recover from the issues that they are carrying. And Carlo Ancelotti's team selection for the Brazil national team has given the Blues a boost in that regard.
As reported by The Standard, Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos have both been omitted from the latest Brazil squad. Estevao has been picked for the upcoming friendlies against South Korea and Japan.
Pedro started his Chelsea career brilliantly but his numbers have faded in recent weeks. Of course, a large part of that might be the fact that he is not believed to be fully fit at the moment, going back to the previous international break. But he has had to play constantly despite that due to the Blues' lack of depth up front with Delap out injured and Marc Guiu not in Enzo Maresca's plans while Nicolas Jackson was allowed to leave for Bayern Munich on loan despite knowing the situation.
Chelsea handed much-needed great news by Carlo Ancelotti
On the other hand, Santos' involvement in the team has increased in recent weeks. But he is believed to be dealing with a knock at the moment as well. So, not being picked for Brazil games could help him recover over the international break.
Chelsea will be thankful to former boss Ancelotti for his selection. Now, let's hope that they have no further issues to deal with going into or coming out of the international break.
Chelsea will be hoping to have a few more players get closer to fitness as well. Palmer is out until the international break for sure. But will he be available after it?
The focus has to be on making sure that he fully recovers from his groin issue instead of being rushed back. The club cannot afford to let this develop into a constant issue with no end in sight.