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After a frantic transfer deadline day that saw Chelsea active with both arrivals and departures, a host of Blues stars have now departed on international duty.
Reece James is the only Chelsea player selected by former Blues boss Thomas Tuchel for England’s World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia, while the likes of Joao Pedro, Moises Caicedo and others have been called up by their respective nations.
Domestically, Chelsea remain one of just three unbeaten sides in the Premier League. Once the squad returns from international duty, Enzo Maresca faces a testing run of three straight away matches, with Brentford and Manchester United in the league, and a Champions League trip to Bayern Munich sandwiched in between.
Chelsea were the Premier League’s second-biggest spenders this summer, investing £282.2m on fresh talent. Only Liverpool outspent them, with a £414.5m spend.
With so many changes, attention now turns to how Maresca can line up his squad to get the very best from his new-look side.
Defence
Despite questions being asked in the summer about his future, Robert Sanchez has started the season superbly. Conceding just once in his first three league appearances, the Spaniard keeps his place between the sticks.
Club captain Reece James brings leadership and quality at right-back, with Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo forming a solid central pairing. On the left, Marc Cucurella’s improved form seals his spot, while new signing Jorrel Hato waits in the wings for opportunities.
Midfield
Few teams can boast a stronger pairing than Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez. The duo cost Chelsea over £200m combined, but both are now settled and delivering consistently. Caicedo screens the defence and provides an outlet when playing from deep, while Fernandez dictates tempo further forward, threading passes into attacking areas.
Attack
This is where Maresca faces the toughest choices. When fit, Cole Palmer is undroppable in the No.10 role. The England international is the catalyst for much of Chelsea’s creativity and remains one of the manager’s most influential players.
On the flanks, Pedro Neto has been a revelation since arriving, consistently tormenting defenders with his pace and directness. Opposite him, summer signing Jamie Gittens can provide a new dimension. Quick, tricky, and capable of stretching play or cutting inside to shoot, Gittens can cause issues for opponents just as he did at Borussia Dortmund.
That leaves Alejandro Garnacho on the bench for now. The Argentine joined from Manchester United under difficult circumstances and must prove himself to earn a regular starting spot in Maresca’s plans.
Up front, Joao Pedro has already made a huge impact. With two goals and two assists in his first three Premier League games, the 23-year-old Brazilian offers both strength and technical quality as the central striker. Liam Delap will push him hard once fully fit, but at present, Pedro is the clear No.9 choice.
Chelsea's best XI after international break:
Robert Sanchez, Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Cucurella, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro.
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