The first-team building at Chelsea's training base in Cobham will be quiet in the days ahead. And while that will enable Graham Potter to firmly settle into his new surroundings, the new Blues head coach would have undoubtedly preferred further time on the training pitches to work with his squad.
Unfortunately for Potter, the majority of Chelsea's senior players – and countless members of their youth sides – will be travelling around the world to represent their respective national teams. It is the last pause in the club football calendar before the Qatar World Cup, which begins on November 20.
A small bonus is the Chelsea stars who usually undertake long-haul flights across the globe – think Thiago Silva and Christian Pulisic – are set to remain in Europe. Both of the friendlies that will be played by Brazil take place in France while the USMNT are set for action in Germany and then Spain.
