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Chelsea’s players missing international duty could be a blessing

With the omission of Cole Palmer, Xabi Alonso has a handful of players staying behind at Cobham over the international break, but could it be a good thing?

Published: Friday, 6 November 2026 at 10:00 PM
Chelsea’s players missing international duty could be a blessing
Key Things to Know
  • The writer argues that multiple Chelsea players missing international duty provides a beneficial rest period for the club.
  • Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, Reece James, and Levi Colwill are among those staying at Cobham with manager Xabi Alonso.
  • The international break allows injured players such as Reece James and Joao Pedro additional time to regain fitness.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Connor Johnson of The Pride of London argues that Chelsea players missing out on the November international break could prove beneficial for manager Xabi Alonso. Players including Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, Reece James, Jordan Henderson, Danny Welbeck, and Levi Colwill remain at Cobham, providing an opportunity to train, rest, and prepare for the busy festive schedule ahead.

The writer highlights that injured players like James and Pedro gain crucial recovery time, reducing the risk of further injury. Although Palmer was reportedly fully fit despite missing Thomas Tuchel's England selection, Johnson believes the two-week pause will help Chelsea address tactical issues ahead of their December fixtures.

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