With another international week upon us, we examine the Chelsea men involved in action for their countries over the coming days.

A string of injuries have swept through Luiz Felipe Scolari's squad in recent weeks, which affects the numbers available for national service.

In addition to Ghanaian long-term injury victim Michael Essien, Ricardo Carvalho and Alex will be absent as Portugal play Brazil in a South American-based friendly and Michael Ballack will be missing when England and Germany meet in Berlin. Deco, Paulo Ferreira and Jose Bosingwa are in the Portugal party.

John Mikel Obi will remain in England thanks to the understanding between Scolari and Nigeria coach Shaibu Amodu, which allows the 21-year-old time to rest when the Super Eagles are in friendly action. They play Colombia.

Petr Cech too has withdrawn due to the injury that prevented him from playing at West Brom on Saturday, and so misses the Czech Republic'sWorld Cup qualifier away to San Marino.

For England, John Terry trained this morning and is expected to be fit for Wednesday, but Frank Lampard misses out with a rib injury sustained at the Hawthorns.

As earlier reported, Michael Mancienne, currently on loan with Wolves, has earned a first international call, and joins Terry and Wayne Bridge in the squad. Joe and Ashley Cole both miss the game through injury.

Branislav Ivanovic (pictured in action against Nicolas Anelka) has linked up with his Serbia team-mates for the home contest with Bulgaria, while Salomon Kalou and Didier Drogba have been named in the Ivory Coast squad that plays away to Israel.

Anelka will be hoping to continue his recent run of form, and is in line to face Uruguay with France in Paris on Wednesday night.

At under-21 level, Jack Cork (on loan with Southampton) is expected to make his England debut tomorrow night after stepping up from the under-19s, whom he has previously captained. He is joined by Ryan Bertrand (with Norwich City), who has featured in the squad before but is still to take his bow. They meet the Czech Republic at Sheffield United's Bramall Lane

Loanee Fabio Paim is the other call-up at under-21, joining his Portugal team-mates for their meeting with Spain.

In the under-19s, Jacob Mellis and Michael Woods are both in the England squad to face Germany at Colchester tomorrow evening.