What Chelsea's Players Are Doing During The International Break As Xabi Alonso Makes Decision | OneFootball

A period of reflection for Chelsea during the first international break of the season.

Several Chelsea stars, including Cole Palmer, are spending time abroad after Xabi Alonso gave them days off during the international break.

As many as 14 Blues players are away on international duty during this break, while others stay at Chelsea to prepare for the team’s return to action against AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League on October 10.

However, the extended international break provides plenty of time to prepare. Rather than spending the full three weeks on the training pitch, Alonso decided to give non-international players time to refresh.

It gives Chelsea a chance to reflect on the start of their 2026/27 campaign under Alonso, who is currently three league games without a win after a dismal 3-0 defeat to Brentford.

As reported by the BBC, Alonso has given these players nine days off and allowed them to travel overseas if they wish.

Palmer is among the players who opted to travel abroad. The Chelsea ace midfielder is understood to be on holiday in the Caribbean following his withdrawal from the England squad.

Interestingly, given his injury situation, he has travelled with a Chelsea rehabilitation coach to follow a recovery plan. After all, star players deserve star-player treatment.

Palmer’s injury is described as a minor muscle issue. However, England boss Thomas Tuchel recently revealed that Chelsea informed him that Palmer had been playing through “discomfort and pain”, which is not exactly an encouraging sign.

Unsurprisingly, fellow England international Morgan Rogers has expressed his support for Palmer’s decision to prioritise his recovery over international duty with England.

Meanwhile, Joao Pedro appears to be spending time in Spain. He celebrated his 25th birthday on a yacht.

Like Palmer, the Chelsea striker also withdrew from international duty, in his case from Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad, due to a knee injury. This leaves Estevao Willian as Chelsea’s sole representative in the Brazil team.

Earlier reports in Brazil claimed that Joao Pedro has been advised to rest for about three weeks to let his knee swelling heal.

It remains unclear whether Joao Pedro will be back in time for the Bournemouth game, as the reported timeline suggests he may miss training sessions during the break.

Another Chelsea player who has travelled overseas is Pep Chavarria. The Blues summer signing was left out of Luis de la Fuente’s latest Spain squad and decided to spend his off days back in his home country.

Other Chelsea players not on international duty this break include Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto, Marco Palestra, Jordan Henderson, and Danny Welbeck.