Graham Potter will be facing a number of challenging team selection decisions for the Blues' return to Premier League action against Aston Villa on Saturday. The international break has been of varying success for Chelsea stars and a number of injuries and key performances have given Potter some dilemmas for the weekend.
Raheem Sterling and Wesley Fofana were two players who remained at Cobham through injury during the break, despite the latter initially being called up to the France senior squad for the first time. Reece James and Kai Havertz were early returns due to a minor hamstring issue and illness, respectively.
Despite a major availability concern for the weekend, the quartet are expected to feature on Saturday with the trio suffering from muscular injuries all spotted in training on Tuesday. The two-week respite also allowed N'Golo Kante to play 60 minutes in a development squad friendly as he continues his recovery from a six-month absence because of a major hamstring injury.
Continuing with the positives, Noni Madueke and Mateo Kovacic were in scintillating form for their respective national teams. Despite being named on the bench for England under-21's clash with France, Madueke came on to score and set up two goals in a superb 24-minute cameo. Kovacic was also on target for Croatia, following up his delightful volley in Chelsea's 3-1 victory against Leicester before the break.
After a shock European championship qualifying draw against Wales, Kovacic scored a brace for Croatia against Turkey. Late into Wednesday evening, Enzo Fernandez joined his fellow midfielder in finding the back of the net in Argentina's 7-0 friendly win against Curacao.
The Chelsea midfielder's goal was a sublime effort from the edge of the box which left the goalkeeper rooted to the spot In the last four Chelsea fixtures, Fernandez and Kovacic have formed an impressive partnership, but that relationship continuing is now at risk because of the return of Kante. The Frenchman has been earmarked as the player Chelsea hope to see Fernandez be partnered alongside, with it looking highly likely an extension is agreed with his current contract up in the summer.
Kovacic has been handed the armband in the absence of Thiago Silva and three goals in the last month will certainly help his case to remain in the team. However, Fernandez has since shown his eye for goal which could convince Potter to unleash the 22-year-old in a more attacking midfield role against Villa, with Kante sitting deeper.
Due to his lengthy absence and Kovacic's performances alongside Fernandez, it is unlikely Kante makes an immediate starting XI return. However, Potter will certainly be wanting to see Fernandez take up a more advanced role and the best player to play alongside him that would allow him to do that is Kante.
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