Following the intensity of two dramatic and relentless matches in the space of seven days, with a 4-1 win at Tottenham followed by Sunday’s 4-4 draw with Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, the international break provides Mauricio Pochettino an opportunity reflect and catch his breath, while preparing for another busy period in the run-up to Christmas.

Pochettino is left with a strong group to work with during the international break, as Benoit Badiashile, Marcus Bettinelli, Armando Broja, Marc Cucurella, Reece James, Robert Sanchez, Raheem Sterling, Thiago Silva and Deivid Washington all remain at Cobham for training, as we build-up to Chelsea’s next match, a trip to Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday 25 November.

Captain James is one of those who could have an important week to work on his condition after recently returning from an injury which had kept him out of action since August, with Pochettino explaining the decision, made jointly between the Blues and the England coaching staff, to keep him at Cobham during this international window.

'It’s about taking the best decision for the player, the national team, and Chelsea,' said Pochettino. 'It’s not a decision for Reece. He was desperate to go, he wanted to go, but there are two parts: the national team and the club. They have to make the best decision for him.

'After the problems, he is starting to feel fit again. I am happy he will be with us because it’s two weeks to work with him again, and I’m sure he will have the opportunity to join the national team in the future.’

Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia will also be working on their fitness at Cobham, as they target a return from injuries which have kept the duo out since the start of the season, after joining the Blues in the summer. However, Pochettino is hopeful that if things go well over the next week they could soon be available to make their competitive Chelsea debuts, having stepped up their recovery by moving out of the gym to train on the grass.

'I had a conversation with Christopher and he said to me he wanted to be involved after the international break. I think he’s close and he is doing really well. We are so happy with him in the way that he is doing his recovery. He is very professional.

'Romeo Lavia is also close, they were both training on Friday on the pitch. We hope that this week they will be involved with the team and we will assess day-by-day to see when they can start to play and help the team.'

Meanwhile, Trevoh Chalobah, Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka and Wesley Fofana will continue their own rehabilitation programmes at our training ground as they work their way back from injury. They will be joined in the treatment room by Levi Colwill and Malo Gusto as they are assessed, after withdrawing from international duty with the England senior squad and France Under-21s respectively, due to injury.