Chelsea went into the international break on a high, beating Middlesbrough in the FA Cup quarter-finals to book their place in the last four. The Blues will face Crystal Palace in mid-April, but face more immediate tests before then.
Thomas Tuchel has a number of players out on international duty and will be hoping that they all return fit and healthy for the run-in. This has already been a challenge in one case, with a player having to pull out from their initial nation's squad.
There are also a few other injury doubts within the squad before the break and the German coach will be hoping he has a full complement to choose from when they face Brentford at Stamford Bridge. Shortly after that, they have to prepare for a Champions League quarter-final tie with Real Madrid, adding even more layers to the upcoming challenge.
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Discussing the international break after victory against Middlesbrough, Tuchel said: "They recharge and disconnect from football because they deserve and it is also very important that they take this possibility to come with a fresh mindset for the last eight weeks of the season and the guys who go for international duties I hope they have the success they want and they come back not injured."
As well as sorting out this takeover situation, the Blues will be hoping for some players to recover from illnesses and injuries alike in time to return in the west London derby. With this in mind, football.london brings you all up to date wit all you need to know ahead of this international break.
Reece James
Reece James made his return from a long-term hamstring injury that he picked up against Brighton in 2021. The full-back scored against Newcastle, but was sidelined yet again soon after.
The 22-year-old was called up for Gareth Southgate’s England squad, but had to be withdrawn due to his injury concerns. There will be a hope that he can return for the Brentford game.
What Thomas Tuchel said: "Petr Cech will have this chat because, of course, the recommendation is that he does not go. He is still in individual training, otherwise, we would have brought him to Lille and we would have brought him here for sure.
"There is no doubt about it. He is still in individual training, he needs one more week of rehabilitation and I think we can provide this much better than – it is not the job of the national team to do this."
Expected return date: Brentford (H), Saturday April 2
Christian Pulisic
The American international started the game at the Riverside and despite having a relatively good game, nearly had it cut short due to what happened in the first half.
With no one around him, he slipped at one point and had to receive on the field treatment. Initially, it looked like a bad fall thankfully Pulisic was able to play on until the 69th minute when he was withdrawn for Timo Werner.
Pulisic started against Mexico for his country on Friday, however.
Expected return date: Brentford (H), Saturday April 2
Kepa Arrizabalaga
The Spaniard's admission from the squad that travelled up to Teesside was unusual, with the Spain international expected to take his customary place in a cup tie. Should his recovery go as planned, he should be available for the next league game.
However, Tuchel provided an update as to what had happened: "Kepa is ill."
Expected return date: Brentford (H), Saturday April 2
Jorginho
The Italian was another name that was not in the full travelling squad when team news was released earlier on in the day. However, that was only because Tuchel decided to give him a much needed rest.
The 30-year-old has since reportedly left his international camp with Italy, following their elimination from World Cup qualification, giving him a potential break ahead of the next game.
What Tuchel said: "We gave Jorgi the chance to have a pause. He has played six games in a row, 90 minutes, and has two crucial games with Italy, both physically and mentally. I decided that he could have a break and didn’t need the travel today."
Expected return date: Brentford (H), Saturday April 2
Andreas Christensen
Andreas Christensen had to be substituted in the first-half against Lille earlier this month in the Champions League. The Dane suffered what looked like a muscular issue and as a result missed the Boro trip despite Tuchel's optimism.
He had been called up for the Denmark squad, but was ruled out of the first game against the Netherlands, with the manager unsure whether he'd make their second game due to injury.
What Thomas Tuchel said: "Andreas Christensen are uncertain. They are in training but weren't in full training… It will be a tight race but maybe too close."
Expected return: N/A
Callum Hudson-Odoi
Callum Hudson-Odoi has struggled with an Achilles injury that has kept him out for a few weeks now. The 21-year-old missed the latest FA Cup trip and could now use this international break to his benefit.
What Thomas Tuchel said: “Callum [Hudson-Odoi] and Andreas Christensen are uncertain. They are in training but weren't in full training... It will be a tight race but maybe too close.”
Expected return: N/A
Ben Chilwell
Ben Chilwell suffered a cruciate ligament injury in his knee that is set to keep the wing-back out for the rest of the season. The 25-year-old performed well in the early stages of the season, but won’t make a return until the summer.
Expected return: Summer 2022
