Chelsea eye reset as international break nears end

A 3-0 loss at Brentford stung, but returning stars could hand Xabi Alonso his strongest side yet.

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What happened. Chelsea were beaten 3-0 by Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium in what the report calls the most disappointing result of Xabi Alonso's short reign. The first international break of the season now gives the squad a three-week pause before returning to Cobham.

• The break is seen as well-timed after a promising start to the season
• Players are away with their countries for over two weeks
• Alonso is expected to review what went wrong at Brentford

Chelsea return to Cobham next month with key players back, potentially closer to Alonso's ideal XI.

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