Estevao and Garnacho start, Delap leads frontline – Dream behind-closed-doors Chelsea XI

Liam Rosenior could field a surprisingly strong starting lineup if Chelsea were to hold a behind-closed-doors friendly during the international break.

Liam Rosenior has the chance to get a closer look at the Chelsea squad during the international break. The 41-year-old enjoyed an excellent start to life at Stamford Bridge, but the Blues have gone off the boil lately, and he's under pressure to turn things around.

Fortunately for Rosenior, he's got 10 days or so to reflect on what has been a difficult period. The Chelsea gaffer also has the opportunity to work closely with those who haven't reported for international duty this month.

When players fly across the world to represent their countries, there's always a danger they'll return late due to travel arrangements or be fatigued, having not had a chance to put their feet up. Although this puts teams, like the Blues, at a disadvantage on paper, it gives those who have stayed behind the chance to stake a claim for a place in the starting lineup.

The likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Liam Delap could use the international break to earn more minutes on the pitch. If they can capitalise on the rare one-on-one time with Rosenior, their teammates will be playing catch-up upon their return, naturally raising the level across the squad.

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Catching the eye in training is one thing, but to perform in a match-scenario is another. So, with that being said, football.london has looked at who could play in a hypothetical behind-closed-doors friendly over the international break.

Sanchez continues between the sticks

Robert Sanchez was snubbed by Spain as Luis de la Fuente steps up preparations ahead of the World Cup in the summer. The Chelsea shot-stopper hasn't featured for La Roja since November 2024, coming off the bench during a 3-2 win over Switzerland in the final game of the UEFA Nations League group stage.

Until Rosenior replaced Enzo Maresca in the dugout, Sanchez was enjoying a good vein of form; at one stage, he was in the running for the Premier League golden glove award and a Blues player of the season contender! If the Spaniard can stay sharp over the international break, he will be key during the run-in.

'Next James' features in new-look Chelsea backline

Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile were not named in the France squad, with Didier Deschamps notoriously loyal to those with whom he's previously worked. That said, neither of the Chelsea centre-halves stood a chance of getting a call-up.

Tosin Adarabioyo has never had to pledge his international allegiance, so he, too, will spend the next week or so at Cobham. Rosenior could play all three in a back-four, with Fofana featuring at right-back.

However, in doing so, the Blues boss would be denying Genesis Antwi the chance to impress. The 18-year-old defender has been superb for the Chelsea Under-21s this season and, with Reece James nursing an injury, it's about time he's given a shot at deputising Malo Gusto.

Unless Badiashile were to fill in at left-back, Rosenior would need to pluck a left-back from the academy too. Landon Emenalo would be perfect, but he's away with the England Under-18s, alongside Freddy Bernal and Reggie Walsh, kick-starting the qualifying campaign for the UEFA U19 EURO series.

Lavia and Essugo capitalise on Chelsea opportunity

If Chelsea were to play a behind-closed-doors friendly at some point during the international break, Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo could use it as an opportunity to build their match fitness. That said, the Blues would have to carefully manage their minutes.

Estevao and Garnacho flank Chelsea youngster

Estevao Willian only recently returned to first-team training after more than a month out with a hamstring injury, so he was left out of the Brazil squad. Despite some good performances lately, Alejandro Garnacho was snubbed by Argentina as Lionel Scaloni plots their defence of the World Cup.

Together at Cobham, they could build their confidence and potentially an exciting relationship on the pitch. With Estevao on the right and Garnacho on the left, Kiano Dyer could play the 'Enzo Fernandez role', sitting ahead of the pivot.

The Chelsea youngster, who was recalled from loan at Volendam in January, has been spotted in first-team training on a few occasions in the past.

Delap under pressure to impress Rosenior

Liam Delap would be under pressure to impress. The 23-year-old striker has struggled to make his mark since joining Chelsea from Ipswich Town, with Joao Pedro shouldering the workload in the final third.

The dream Chelsea behind-closed-doors XI: Robert Sanchez; Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Genesis Antwi; Dario Essugo, Romeo Lavia; Alejandro Garnacho, Kiano Dyer, Estevao Willian; Liam Delap.