Chelsea latest: International issues emerge as striker target 'receives offers every day'

A look at Chelsea headlines as the Blues are given a double injury issue and reportedly target a young striker ahead of the January transfer window

Chelsea will be hoping the international break doesn't bring any fresh injury concerns to Enzo Maresca's squad. The Blues concluded their recent fixtures with a commanding 3-0 victory over Wolves before several players departed for international duty.

Malo Gusto, Joao Pedro and Pedro Neto found the net at Stamford Bridge, propelling Chelsea to third following their fourth win in five Premier League outings. However, the club's demanding fixture list, balancing several cup tournaments, has resulted in fitness setbacks.

Two players will remain at Chelsea rather than linking up with their respective national sides due to fitness concerns. Meanwhile, the Blues have been linked with strengthening their squad during the January transfer window. Here, football.london examines some of the headlines surrounding Chelsea.

International concerns

Pedro Neto has pulled out of Portugal's squad for their World Cup qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland and Armenia. The winger netted against his old club Wolves at the weekend but sustained an injury during the match.

Following the 3-0 victory, Chelsea manager Maresca shared that Neto had requested to be substituted. He was replaced by Marc Guiu shortly after finding the back of the net.

A statement from the Portuguese Football Federation confirmed that Neto would not be joining the squad in "a decision made jointly by Chelsea's medical department".

The attacker becomes the second Chelsea star to pull out of international commitments, after Enzo Fernandez's earlier withdrawal. The Argentine midfielder has been struggling with a knee problem for several months.

Chelsea join transfer race

Chelsea have reportedly set their sights on highly-rated Levante striker Etta Eyong as the January window approaches. Goal claims that the Blues have entered the race for the 22-year-old forward, who has found the net six times in 12 La Liga appearances this campaign.

Enzo Maresca's side are claimed to be interested in Eyong. However, the Blues are said to face stiff competition from Barcelona and Real Madrid alongside Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester United.

Despite Eyong's £26.3million release clause, Levante CEO Jose Danvila has already outlined the club's position: "We receive offers for him every day. But the player isn't going to be sold. Our priority is staying up, not cashing out."

Any prospective transfer could be further complicated by the reported details in the striker's contract. Eyong's previous club Villarreal are understood to pocket 80 per cent of any fee below £6.5m, whilst they would claim 20 per cent of any agreement exceeding £13.17m.

It is further reported that should Levante turn down bids surpassing £13.17m, Villarreal would still receive compensation, with the Spanish outfit also holding first refusal.