The first international break of a season often provides an opportunity for coaching teams – and the players – to reflect on performances during the opening weeks of a new campaign.

Five matches in and Maresca has seen visible progress made by his side. Yet the Italian expects much more and he has been out on the grass at our training base in Surrey working with the players not away representing their countries.

Maresca, a well-rounded midfielder in his playing days, even pulled on his boots to join in the action during today's session at Cobham.

Jadon Sancho, our final signing of the summer transfer window, was again involved in the group – and the international break is providing the 24-year-old an opportunity to adapt to his new surroundings.

Not that he will need too much time, of course. 'London is where I grew up and I’m happy to be back,' Sancho stated after joining the Blues.

The winger also highlighted his friendship with Tosin Adarabioyo which was formed during their time together at Manchester City.

Tosin also arrived at Chelsea this summer and has featured in both fixtures of our UEFA Conference League play-off tie against Servette, which we won 3-2 on aggregate.

Christopher Nkunku converted penalties in both legs of the tie to help us progress to the group stage of the competition, and we discovered the six opponents we will face during the draw in Monaco last Friday.

Maresca's side will take on Gent, Panathinaikos, FC Noah, Heidenheim, FC Astana, and Shamrock Rovers during the revamped group stage – and you can find more information and the fixture dates here.

Alongside Nkunku at Cobham during today's session was Wesley Fofana, who had been called up for France's Nations League fixtures against Italy and Belgium.

However, having missed the entirity of last season due to a knee injury, the French Football Federation confirmed his withdrawal from the squad on Monday.

A statement read: 'After an exchange with the national coach, the central defender will finally remain at his club's disposal and take advantage of the international break to follow a treatment protocol, linked to the injuries that kept him away from the field for a long time last season.'