Chelsea representation is expectedly high for the World Cup this year in Qatar. Fifteen players, either currently in Graham Potter's squad or out on loan, have been selected for their nations, with the potential that a couple make it all the way to the final showpiece on December 18.
But on top of those of current interest, the same number applies to former Blues' also involved in the international tournament. It could have been 16 had Timo Werner not suffered a cruel ankle injury on the eve of Germany's squad being announced, ruling him out of contention.
Those who are travelling make for interesting reading, with some beloved figures likely to spark support from Chelsea fans craving a bit of nostalgia across the next month.
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Before the World Cup kicks off properly on Sunday afternoon, football.london runs down the list of former Chelsea players in the middle east.
Canada - Ike Ugbo
Ike Ugbo came through Chelsea's academy without making a senior appearance despite being involved in the 2021 pre-season with Thomas Tuchel. The Canadian striker was sold to Genk for around £2m in August that same summer.
Denmark - Andreas Christensen
Only recently departed, the Danish defender was one of two senior names to leave for free at the end of his contract this past summer. Coming through the academy and playing a huge role in the Champions League winning run under Tuchel, it looked like he was set for a prominent role in Chelsea's defence.
Things haven't started perfectly at the Camp Nou, however, as he suffered a sprained ankle in late September, which ruled him out for eight games. The Dane will hope to keep fit and lead his nation to another semi-final after an impressive Euro campaign.
England - Declan Rice
Released at the age of 14 and now a long-term target from West Ham, Rice is likely to feature prominently in Gareth Southgate's midfield ahead of a potentially big 2023.
Germany - Antonio Rudiger and Jamal Muisala
Departing to Spain for free at club level like Christensen, Antonio Rudiger's absence is already being felt at Stamford Bridge after a talismanic final year in west London. He has quickly slotted into life at the Bernabeu despite not starting every game.
A familiar face in Germany's defence, Hansi Flick will hope Rudiger offers the controlled aggression and quality that made him beloved at Chelsea.
Like Rice, Musiala is another youngster who was let go too soon, moving to Germany and quickly emerging as one the Bundesliga's hot prospects with Bayern Munich.
The 19-year-old will be hoping to form the next crop of talented German youngsters aiming to replicate the triumph of 2014 in Brazil.
Ghana -Tariq Lamptey
Lamptey made a notable appearance for Chelsea in the Premier League win at Arsenal in December 2019 but was shortly sold to Brighton after a new contract could not be agreed.
The wingback has suffered some injury setbacks but still has tons of potential to reach at the Amex. Playing for Ghana in Qatar is another big step in his progression.
Netherlands - Nathan Ake
Through Chelsea's youth system and then sold to Bournemouth in 2017, Ake could have returned to Chelsea over the past summer as personal terms were reportedly agreed but no agreed fee reached with Manchester City.
Ake is involved in an ambitious Dutch squad under Louis Van Gaal who return to the World Cup after missing out in 2018.
Belgium - Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Thorgan Hazard and Michy Batshuayi
A lot of familiar faces, all of who spark different emotions from Chelsea fans. For Courtois: dislike, De Bruyne: regret, Eden Hazard: love, Thorgan Hazard: shrug, Michy Batshuayi: confusion.
This is probably the last major tournament for most of Belgium's 'golden generation' who, like England's, have failed to reach a World Cup final and live up to the hype.
Croatia - Mario Pasalic
Barely making a dent at Chelsea, Pasalic is more known for his success since joining Serie A side Atalanta in 2020 after being sent on a series of loans after joining the Blues from Hajduk Split in 2014.
France - Olivier Giroud
The popular striker got a warm welcome back to west London in October when he returned with AC Milan and he has continued to score for his nation despite the astonishing attacking talent coming through.
It is a testament to his quality and longevity that he will likely gain good minutes in Qatar as France aim to retain their crown.
Spain - Alvaro Morata
Another unpopular name amongst Chelsea fans, Alvaro Morata is classed as one of many bad signings in that infamous summer window of 2017, failing to settle in England before returning to Spain with Atletico Madrid.
Morata remains a bizarre player, one who for Spain has produced some real moments of genius in big games - see his equaliser against Italy in the EURO 2020 semi-final - but then also miss a vital penalty or chance within the same game. An enigma that could still baffle us over the next month.
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