Overall, Chelsea have had a decent international break so far.
They’ve got picked up any major injuries, and national team coaches have been pretty kind by not exhausting our stars.
One of the few players to have played the majority of the two games in the break was Ben Chilwell, who racked up 67 against Brazil and then 90 last night against Belgium.
Given his injury record, and given he’s only recently worked his way back up to full fitness, we wouldn’t be at all surprised if that means he gets a rest on Saturday. Marc Cucurella played for Spain against Brazil last night for the full 90, but at least sat out the entire first game in the break to give him some form of respite.
Whether Cucurella or Chilwell gets the nod, expect the other to arrive around the hour mark. We’re closing in on the end of the season, but it’s not time to throw caution to the wind just yet, and managing minutes is still important.
