The Athletic explain Chelsea’s plan to cope with extended international break

Chelsea have had three weeks off – but they had a lot to work on in that time as they look to improve on a shaky start to the season.

This international break is a new world for Premier League teams. Opinions are divided on whether one three week break is better than two two week breaks, but it’s certainly given club managers a new challenge.

At Chelsea, the break came at a good time. There are two priorities for the team now. One is to recover some important injured players, including Joao Pedro, Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra. The other is to sort out the defence that has the Blues top of the goals conceded table.

Chelsea friendly gives team chance for accelerated build up

The Athletic report that a friendly against an unnamed Championship team (we don’t know why it has to be a secret) has been arranged for behind closed doors this weekend. That should give players like Palestra, who need match minutes, the chance to build up to next weekend.

As for the defending, there’s only so much that Xabi Alonso can do without so many of his first team players available, but one has to hope that simply having the time to properly analyse the games that have been played this season will bring some positive outcomes.

In other news…

Chelsea aren’t able to control possession in games as well as they should, and that’s hurting them defensively.

Tomas Araujo is another defender Chelsea are keeping a close eye on as they look to strengthen at the back.