14 Blues depart for international duty, while injuries sideline key stars Reece James and Cole Palmer from England duty.
The Premier League takes a short break after five matches as the first of three international windows begins.
A new addition to the football calendar this season merges the September and October breaks into a single extended two-week window, rather than the old format of two weeks in September followed by two weeks in October.
With the FIFA World Cup having concluded only a couple of months ago, the calendar includes both competitive and non-competitive matches. In Europe, the UEFA Nations League returns for its fifth instalment, while in Africa, qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations begins. For the rest of the world, international friendlies will fill the void left by the lack of competitive action.
The Blues will have 14 first-team representatives across seven different nations and age groups for the upcoming break. The total could have been as high as 16, but a hamstring injury to club captain Reece James kept him out before Thomas Tuchel announced the squad.
Cole Palmer was initially called up by England head coach Thomas Tuchel but has since withdrawn due to a ‘small injury’. Another player called up but since withdrawn is Brazilian star Joao Pedro. The forward missed Chelsea’s 3-0 away defeat to Brentford on September 18 after missing training in the week leading up to the game, with reports from Brazil claiming the 24-year-old will be sidelined for around three weeks due to a minor knee issue.
Who will be on international duty?
Six of Chelsea’s 14 call-ups will take part in four UEFA Nations League matches across the extended international window.
England
New signing Morgan Rogers will be Chelsea’s only representative for the Three Lions after Cole Palmer’s withdrawal. England will host newly crowned world champions Spain on September 26. Rogers will then travel to Prague to take on Czechia before heading to Croatia and rounding off the break at Wembley against Czechia again.
Belgium
Romeo Lavia’s start to the season and form have earned him a recall to the Belgium squad alongside Mike Penders. After a number of long-term injuries, the midfielder will look to earn his second cap after making his debut in 2023 in a friendly against Germany.
As for Penders, he is expected to deputise for former Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Belgium start their campaign away to Italy on September 25, then host France before travelling back to Belgium to meet Turkey and later round off the break with a visit to France.
Netherlands
Jorrel Hato remains Chelsea’s only Netherlands representative. The Dutch full-back will begin his Nations League campaign at home against a new-look Germany, who are now managed by Jurgen Klopp. The 20-year-old will then have back-to-back away matches against Serbia and Greece before hosting Serbia on October 4.
Portugal
Pedro Neto continues to headline Portugal’s attack with yet another call-up. The two-time UEFA Nations League winners host Wales on September 24 before travelling to Norway and Denmark. Before returning to Chelsea, Neto and his nation will host Norway on October 4 as part of the fourth round of group-stage matches.
France
Summer signing Maxence Lacroix will be Chelsea’s only representative for France during the upcoming break after Malo Gusto was left out by new manager Zinedine Zidane. France will open the Nations League against Türkiye before taking on Belgium, which could see an all-Blues clash with Lavia and Penders. Lacroix’s side will round off the break with matches against Italy and then a rematch against neighbours Belgium on October 5.
Youth Internationals
Three first-team players will play at Under-21 level over the break. Jamie Gittens and Josh Acheampong are in England Under-21 action, while Geovany Quenda will represent Portugal Under-21s in Euro Under-21 qualifying.
Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli and Reggie Watson, who have both made first-team appearances so far this season, are in England Under-17s action.
International Friendlies
Argentinian duo Emiliano Martinez and Valentin Barco will participate in three exhibition matches against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin.
Following his absence from the recent World Cup, Brazilian star Estevao has been recalled straight back into the fold. Ancelotti's side will face Australia twice before travelling to face India.
Chelsea return to action in the Premier League on October 10 as the Blues host AFC Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.
