The International break has perhaps come at the wrong time for Chelsea, who have made big strides under Frank Lampard in recent weeks and have won four games in a row in all competitions.
Most of their new signings have formed a good understanding with the rest of the squad, and things are finally falling into place on the pitch for the Blues, even though they are yet to really win against a top side in the Premier League.
Chelsea’s biggest game will come at the end of this month when they face Tottenham Hotspur at home, Lampard will be hopeful that the players go away on international duty and come back with fire in their belly.
Here are three Chelsea players to keep an eye on during the international break:
#3 Mason Mount
It will be an important week or so for England and Mason Mount especially as he has to justify his place in the squad. The 21-year old was been selected ahead of the in-form Jack Grealish for England’s previous game against Denmark that they eventually lost, and there is pressure Gareth Southgate to select Grealish.
Grealish has been in scintillating form for Aston Villa this season and tore Arsenal apart in the previous game, so there will be added pressure on Mount to deliver if he gets the nod once again over the Villa skipper.
Mount hasn’t scored too many goals this season, having mustered up just two goals for his club in all competitions, and once for the Three Lions against Belgium. With crucial games coming up in the Nations League, Mount will be the player to watch out for as he looks to strengthen his place in the team.
#2 Hakim Ziyech
Despite missing the opening few games for Chelsea due to an injury, Hakim Ziyech has had a brilliant start to his Chelsea career having scored twice and assisted three times in all competitions so far this season.
Hakim Ziyech will hope to put on a show for his national team (Photo by FADEL SENNA / AFP)
The 27-year old is a key player in the Moroccan national team, and it will be interesting to see if he can carry his club form over to the international stage. His range of passing, dribbling, and finishing have been incredible, and he looks like a fine player that Chelsea got for relatively cheap in the summer transfer window.
Morocco have played twice and picked up four points from their AFCON qualification group, and will look to pick up six more points from their doubleheader against the Central African Republic in the next seven days or so.
#1 Timo Werner
Germany have been shambolic in their recent games, and can’t seem to close out games despite playing some good attacking football. The Chelsea duo of Timo Werner and Kai Havertz have been key to their attacking endeavours, but with the latter unavailable due to Covid19, there will be added pressure on Werner.
There is a lot of pressure on Joachim Löw as he continues to leave out in-form stalwarts like Thomas Muller and Mats Hummels, so he needs players like Werner to keep firing.
Germany will take on the Czech Republic in a friendly before their key UEFA Nations League fixtures against Ukraine and Spain, and expect ‘Turbo Timo’ to play with some fire in his belly.