Over the past 24 hours or so, we have now had official confirmation of two Chelsea players being named in their nations final 26 man squad for this summer's World Cup
In just 27 days time, the 23rd FIFA World Cup will begin when Mexico host South Africa. Although there is the small matter of an FA Cup final taking place for Chelsea tomorrow, understandably there is a lot of attention already being shown to this summer’s tournament.
Especially as there will be a number of Chelsea players representing their respective nations from all over the globe over the six weeks or so that the World Cup is on, which will have fans very interested.
Unfortunately, it was confirmed earlier this week that Estevao will not be one of the clun's representatives this summer, with the hamstring injury he picked up against Manchester United last month enough to rule him out of the tournament. It remains to be seen whether or not he will have surgery now that he is missing the World Cup regardless.
Although most squads have still yet to be released, - with the deadline the 30th of May - we now know of at least two Chelsea players boarding a flight to North America this summer. Indeed, as Malo Gusto and loanee Mike Penders have been called up to the France and Belgium national sides respectively.
Admittedly, Penders is unlikely to see the pitch, and thus probably won’t be ‘in action’, with former Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid and Senne Lammens of Manchester United both named in the squad, but it is a great achievement nevertheless.
As for Gusto, there is a reasonable chance that he gets consistent game time. The Chelsea man is the only out and out right back named in Didier Deschamps’ squad, with the other option being converted central defender Jules Kounde, who was heavily linked with a move to SW6 back in the summer of 2022, before he joined FC Barcelona.
In terms of schedule; Penders’ Belgium side face Egypt, Iran and New Zealand in their group. The games will be played on the 15th, 21st and 27th of June at 20:00, 20:00 and 04:00 BST respectively.
Meanwhile, Gusto and his France side will face Senegal, Iraq and Norway in their group. The games will take place on the 16th, 22nd and 26th June at 20:00, 22:00 and 20:00 BST respectively.
So, to recap; Gusto and Penders - currently on loan at Ligue 1 side RC Strasbourg - are the two Chelsea players to be confirmed in their nations final, 26 man squad for the World Cup this summer.
Join the Community
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!