[ WATCH TV LIVE ]

The international break is well underway and many of Chelsea's stars have flown around the world to represent their home nations as they prepare for friendlies or to qualify for the next competition. On this occasion, Chelsea have more players than usual remaining at Cobham for Mauricio Pochettino to work with, and Raheem Sterling did not even wait until England duty started to ensure he made a strong point to Gareth Southgate.

With Chelsea finally starting to see an upturn in form, with wins coming against Burnley, Fulham and Brighton, Pochettino has planned to make good use of the two-week break between Premier League matches. There is little time for rest.

"To improve players, try to recover players from injury in two weeks, we're going to spend working in the training ground," Pochettino told football.london. "Of course different mood from the last time, last month. With a victory, it is much better. I think pushing, keep pushing and working hard to try and be better."

While it will be frustrating for many to be robbed of the momentum Chelsea were building, some of Pochettino's players could benefit from the delay before the match against Arsenal and an intense run of games.

With Reece James set to be back from both injury and suspension for the clash against the Gunners, this period will allow him to attempt to get up to speed in time for the match. Building match-fitness in this period will be difficult, but with some semblance of a backline remaining at Cobham in the shape of Thiago Silva and Marc Cucurella, he could find himself back working with Chelsea's shape.

Likewise, Trevoh Chalobah and Benoit Badiashile could help fill out that defensive setup. The duo were recognised as partially participating in first team training in the build up to Burnley and now have the opportunity to work to full fitness to begin to compete for spot in front of Robert Sanchez.

READ MORE: Malo Gusto makes Reece James 'war' admission and names the Chelsea star who inspires him

READ MORE: Palmer delivers, Mudryk sparks but Silva mixed - Chelsea players rated for the season so far

It will be frustrating for Carney Chukwuemeka that he has to wait for his return to action after making the bench against the Clarets. Given the form of the Blues midfield in addition to Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling however, Chukwuemeka may benefit from some time close to Pochettino.

The former Aston Villa ace looked set to make the No.10 spot his own early in the season, but Chelsea's set-up has adjusted since that moment. Proving his fitness and what he can offer his head coach will be vital to returning to the starting XI.

The international break has also allowed for some new injury issues to be resolved. Axel Disasi was forced to pull out of France's squad with an issue suffered against Burnley and now has time to recover, while Nicolas Jackson has also pulled out of Senegal's internationals.

Jackson has undergone an operation on his wrist, having worn strapping over the area in recent weeks. football.london understands that the 22-year-old should not be out for significant period however.

International fixtures could offer some respite for some Chelsea stars too. Noni Madueke has made just one start for the Blues this season and will have his work cut out to displace Sterling, Palmer or Mykhailo Mudryk. Finding some rhythm with England under-21s could ensure he is sharp for his Chelsea return and can prove his form to the Blues' boss.

Mudryk too could benefit. Having picked up a knock against Fulham, the winger had to settle for a place on the bench against Burnley and now must compete with Chelsea's two most in-form players.

Keeping the Ukraine international confident has been a key task for Pochettino, and the 51-year-old will hope that Mudryk can keep his momentum in matches against North Macedonia and Malta to ensure he returns to Cobham firing.

Adblock test (Why?)