Only one more Premier League match remains until the World Cup begins. Nine days after the Chelsea players' match against Newcastle, the England team among them kicks off in Qatar.
Every Chelsea player is now aware of their position. There are 14 players who have been confirmed to attend the event, plus an additional three who would have if not for injuries and three whose countries did not make it. Two players who are presently on loan are also included, and Baba Rahman is anticipated to be included to the Ghana team on Monday.
A number of major absences have already occurred, particularly in Gareth Southgate's England team. You can stay informed about who has been chosen and who hasn't by visiting football.london.
Players acknowledged for their nations
*On-loan player
Thiago Silva (Brazil) - Chelsea's experienced central defender Thiago Silva is set for yet another appearance at the World Cup with the Selecao national team, set to be his third consecutive time playing in the competition. The 38-year-old will be hopeful he can guide his nation to glory, starting as one of the favourites.
Denis Zakaria (Switzerland) - Despite earning few minutes for Chelsea this campaign, Denis Zakaria has managed to receive a call-up to Switzerland's squad for the World Cup. The midfielder will be hopeful he can be an influential figure for the national team, despite his lack of playing time in club competitions.
Christian Pulisic (USA) - Having also struggled to find a place in the Chelsea team, Christian Pulisic has made the USMNT squad for the World Cup. Being the captain of his nation, the forward is expected to be the main threat his side possess going forward, leading them to another huge tournament.
Hakim Ziyech (Morocco) - Ziyech has struggled for gametime this season under both Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel, his lively performance against Manchester City did demonstrate his on-the-ball ability though. Having been exiled following a massive communication bust-up with former manager Vahid Halihodzic. He's back in the frame now though and will want to go further than crashing out of the group stage like in Russia 2018.
Kai Havertz (Germany) - The German star has once again failed to kick on for his club side despite world class goals of a similar nature coming last month for the forward. Havertz will now be hoping to push on after a disappointing Euro 2020 campaign that saw his side crash out to England in the last-16.
Conor Gallagher (England) - The surprise name of the squad for England as Gallagher was recalled into Southgate's squad after being dropped for the last international break. His form under Graham Potter has seen a marked improvement on his early weeks under Thomas Tuchel where a World Cup spot was extremely unlikely.
Mason Mount (England) - One of Southgate's favourites and always likely to be in the team. Mount has continued to struggle in front of goal this season but has found an upturn in performances having been moved into a more natural midfield role under Potter.
Raheem Sterling (England) - One of England's most reliable players and another Southgate favourite, Sterling has struggled for form since moving to Chelsea but will still be one of the key players going forward for the Three Lions over the next four weeks.
Mateo Kovacic (Croatia) - The Blues midfielder has been one of their best performers so far this season but has also struggled for fitness. Potter confirmed that he would be fine for the tournament, but fans of Chelsea will be hoping his injury isn't aggravated in Qatar.
Edouard Mendy (Senegal) - Having been demoted to back-up choice for his club, Mendy will go to the World Cup as his country's No.1. There has also been a helpful couple of games to warm-up after Kepa Arrizabalaga's injury against Brighton. Mendy will play against Newcastle on Saturday too.
Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal) - Another player that has been out of action, this time down to injury. Koulibaly came back to start against Dinamo Zagreb but was left out against Arsenal. He's not had the best of starts at Chelsea and will hope to pick up form during in Qatar.
Cesar Azpilicueta (Spain) - The final Chelsea player to be announced as involved at the World Cup is their captain. It will almost certainly be his last - barring a Thiago Silva like continuation - and comes after a struggle across the last four weeks for his club.
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