Chelsea prepares for extended break with friendly as injuries mount

Chelsea is utilizing the extended international break to focus on player recovery and improving defensive performance. With their defense currently at the bottom of the league for goals conceded, the team aims to remedy these issues during a three-week off period. They have arranged a closed-doors friendly against a Championship team for this weekend, allowing sidelined players like Marco Palestra to gain match fitness. Manager Xabi Alonso faces challenges due to missing first-team players but plans to analyze their past performances during this time. Chelsea hopes to address their possession struggles as well.

• 5:05 PMYahoo Sports — The Athletic explain Chelsea’s plan to cope with extended international break