Graham Potter likely could not have imagined a worse international break with fresh fitness concerns now prominent at Stamford Bridge. Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling joined the injury list at the start of the month and come the end of March the treatment room at Cobham looks set to be much fuller.
Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta are two defenders Chelsea will hope to have back soon, especially for their Champions League clash against Real Madrid. In the Premier League, the Blues are next in action against Aston Villa on April 1, with many stars likely to face late fitness tests to make the fixture.
On a positive note, N'Golo Kante has been given a further two weeks to increase his fitness levels after making his matchday squad return against Everton. The Frenchman was last in action for Chelsea against Tottenham on August 14, but featured for a Chelsea development squad at the beginning of last week.