Antonio Conte had a almost new set of players to train with while his superstars were on international assignments with their various national teams.
Across the world, in the last few days, the 2018 World Cup qualifiers have been ongoing with many of Chelsea’s stars involved.
In their absence at Cobham, Conte keeps working his remaining boys and preparing them for the Premier League clash with Leicester City.
New boys Danny Drinkwater, Kylian Hazard (younger brother of Eden Hazard) and the returning Baba Rahman were among those present for training on Monday.
The hard work continues for those not away on international duty…🏃 pic.twitter.com/TENe2Izb8C
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 4, 2017
The likes of Cesc Fabregas and David Luiz, also not called up by Spain and Brazil respectively were involved in the preparatory training.
Among the players who trained, it’s very unlikely to see Rahman and Hazard involved against the Foxes. Both were not named in the Blues 25-man squad for the Premier League and Champions League season.
It’s an interesting decision not to have Rahman on the list though, as he would have provided adequate cover for Marcos Alonso on the left wing back position. Chelsea failed to secure a natural left full back to provide a back up option for the blossoming Spanish defender.
His exclusion however, is because the club may be uncertain when he the Ghanaian makes a full recovery from his long term knee injury.
Conte however will be pleased with the numbers he has available to train with the Drinkwater looking to steal a position in the Italian manager’s heart before his favorites return, as he makes a quick return to Leicester after his deadline day transfer.
