The 11 players sold by Chelsea who are now going to the World Cup
Chelsea fans will be delighted the Premier League season is on a break as the World Cup approaches next week.
However, there’ll be no time for rest, with a large portion of the first team travelling for their respective counttries.
Blues fans will no doubt have an eye on some of their former players during the tournament, some of whom will be big stars for their nations.
Here are the 12 players the Blues sold that will be representing their country this winter.
Michy Batshuayi
The Belgian struggled for years to break into the Chelsea first team since his season under Antonio Conte, although will surely get some minutes as the reliable back up for the national team.
Andreas Christensen
One of the two free transfer departures at the back for the Blues last year, Christensen was crucial for Denmark in their semi-final run at the Euros, and will surely be there again at the World Cup.
Antonio Rudiger
Another important figure for club and country, Rudiger will be the beating heart in what looks a fairly fragile Germany side this winter.
Olivier Giroud
The AC Milan man has the chance to make history this winter, as he closes in on France’s top scorer record this winter.
Alvaro Morata
An unsuccessful spell at Stamford Bridge has hardly been followed up by sparkling form at any of his clubs since, although he is Spain’s most obvious striking option for this tournament.
Mario Pasalic
The Croatian never played a game for the first team, although will be along Croatia’s midfield options alongside Mateo Kovacic.
Eden Hazard
A hero among Chelsea fans, this could be Hazard’s last chance at international silverware as part of the golden generation of Belgium.
Thibaut Courtois
Another Belgian who left the club one year before Hazard, Courtois is a shoe in to play in goal after his stellar season at Real Madrid.
Nathan Ake
The Dutchman was the subject of interest from the Blues again this summer, although he remained at Manchester City. Now, he will hope to partner Virgil van Dijk for Netherlands.
Thorgan Hazard
Having never reached the heights of his brother at Chelsea, Hazard has excelled at Borussia Dortmund since, and now has an equal chance of featuring this winter.
Kevin de Bruyne
The one that got away. The immense talent will be the driving force behind Belgium’s efforts at winning the World Cup this winter.
