Chelsea have three more games remaining before their 2022/23 season comes to a halt for the World Cup in Qatar. A number of Graham Potter's stars will be looking to help their nation to glory over the course of the next month but there remains work to be done on the training field for some.
The Premier League season is set to pause for around six weeks as the World Cup takes place in Qatar. Almost three quarters of the Blues' squad are set to contend in the international tournament, but there are a number of players who will remain at Cobham during the course of the month with a chance to impress Potter ahead of their first game back on December 27.
Chelsea's home game against Bournemouth is one of five games penned within the first month back in action. The Blues could be competing in four competitions in 2023 - Premier League, Champions League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup - meaning Potter will need to rotate his squad accordingly.
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football.london takes a look at six Chelsea players who must put in the hard yards to impress Potter during the World Cup break this month.
Wesley Fofana
The French defender had seemed to be on course to be included in Didier Deschamps squad after switching Leicester City for Chelsea. However, after picking up a knee injury in only his fourth game for the Blues, the likelihood of him receiving a late call-up seems all but over.
The club confirmed earlier this week that he, alongside Reece James, would continue his rehabilitation programme in Dubai this week. Since his absence, Chelsea have been resolute in defence, conceding only seven goals - four coming in one game - meaning Fofana faces stiff competition to regain his place in Potter's defence.
Marc Cucurella
Cucurella's move to Stamford Bridge has been a difficult one to assess so far. He has only missed three games in all competitions and has been a main-stay in Potter's defence since being reunited with his former boss.
However, with only one international cap to his name, Jordi Alba and Jose Gaya look set to be called-up ahead of the 24-year-old by Luis Enrique. The month will give the former Barcelona man a chance to iron out any parts of his game that have been identified by the coaching team in his opening three months at the club.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
The third summer signing on the list, Aubameyang could be one player who benefits from the mid-season break as he looks to become more familiar with Potter's style of play. The former Arsenal man has Armando Broja breathing down his neck closely in the striker position but it's the Gabon international that has often been preferred.
Aubameyang has scored only three goals in 12 appearances for the Blues this season, summing up the club's struggles in front of goal. The six weeks break offers the striker a chance to prove why Todd Boehly may not need to purchase another number nine.
Jorginho
It still seems bizarre that the champions of Europe won't be attending the World Cup after their shock defeat to North Macedonia. Jorginho could have used the tournament as an early opportunity to place himself in the shop window as he approaches the end of his contract at SW6.
With the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Jude Bellingham being linked with a move to west London, Jorginho will be hoping to convince Potter that he is capable of holding down his position in the middle of the park for years to come.
Carney Chukwuemeka
When Chukwuemeka joined the Blues from Aston Villa in the summer, it was certainly a signing to be excited for in years to come. The Englishman has dabbled in the first team with three appearances off the bench but has failed to make an impact in the 43 minutes of Premier League action.
With Aubameyang's issues in front of goal, Chukwuemeka must prove to Potter that he can be relied upon to influence games when called upon. There's no question over his potential and he has the opportunity to put on display his qualities.
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