Graham Potter confirms Chelsea's final training & fixture plans for World Cup break

Graham Potter has outlined what Chelsea’s plans are for the World Cup break as many of the first-team squad join up with their nations as they head to Qatar.

Chelsea have one final game before they part ways temporarily, they head to St. James’ Park to face in-form Newcastle United on Saturday evening.

12 of Chelsea’s players, excluding loan players, have been called up, while many first-teamers will remain with Potter during the break, potentially handing them a boost when they resume at the end of December.

List of Chelsea players called up: Edouard Mendy (Senegal), Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal), Cesar Azpilicueta (Spain), Thiago Silva (Brazil), Denis Zakaria (Switzerland), Mateo Kovacic (Croatia), Conor Gallagher (England), Mason Mount (England), Kai Havertz (Germany), Raheem Sterling (England), Christian Pulisic (USA), Hakim Ziyech (Morocco)

Romelu Lukaku (Belgium) and Ethan Ampadu (Wales) have also been called up, with Baba Rahman expected to be named in Ghana’s squad on Monday.

Chelsea have many household names out injured which is why they are missing the tournament that starts next week.

Kepa Arrizabalaga, Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana, Reece James and N’Golo Kante are all sidelined, while the likes of Jorginho, Marc Cucurella, Trevoh Chalobah, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Armando Broja, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and others will remain in England.

Chelsea manager Graham Potter reacts on the touchline during the Carabao Cup third round match at the Etihad Stadium. (Alamy)

Potter will give players some break before they return to Cobham, but has confirmed what their plans are.

It was previously reported that Chelsea would fly out to the United Arab Emirates for warm weather training and potential friendlies.

The Chelsea head coach has confirmed the plans, admitting: "Have a bit of a break, then reconvene for a warm weather camp and a couple of games to prepare for the restart.”

Potter admitted he’s not necessarily looking forward to the break despite the hectic schedule since his Chelsea arrival, but will put the break to good use as they look to improve before returning in December.

He added: "I wouldn't say I'm looking forward to it. We have to use it for what it is.

"We have a game tomorrow, whatever happens then, then you have to take stock. We have to take that time to reflect and come back in a stronger way.

Graham Potter on the sidelines during the Carabao Cup Third Round match Manchester City vs Chelsea. (Alamy)

"You need a bit of time to reflect, if there is, and there is because of the break. It would be stupid for me not to do that."

Potter also revealed talks with be held the owners: "Yeah, I'm pretty sure we will. We have a regular dialogue anyway.

"Sometimes you need to reflect, think and analyse.

"Absolutely, we need to think about what's happened and what we can do to improve."

Topics: Chelsea, Graham Potter, Football

Matthew Debono

Owner/Lead of Absolute Chelsea. Featured on Forbes and 90min.

@MattDebonoAC