Chelsea are one week away from returning to Premier League action against Newcastle United, but of course, remain without much of their squad who are currently on international duty. However, there remains plenty of work to be done.

The pause in Premier League action has already seen the likes of Cole Palmer make his England debut, while Thiago Silva has travelled to Brazil for some time off. There remains plenty of productivity at Chelsea's Cobham training base however, with the likes of Reece James, who did not join up with the Three Lions, putting in plenty of effort to continue his return to his best fitness.

The period provides an opportunity for Mauricio Pochettino and his staff to work closely with a smaller group of players and to see some younger stars too. football.london takes a look at what has been spotted in the footage Chelsea have released of the training sessions in the last few days.

Who was in training?

As was expected, James was joined by Marc Cucurella, Benoit Badiashile, Armando Broja, Robert Sanchez and Raheem Sterling. They were not alone, and were joined by youngsters who have regularly been part of first-team squads too.

Alex Matos, Alfie Gilchrist and Deivid Washington looked to have played a full role with the squad in Chelsea's released footage. Jamie Cumming, who played in Chelsea's first pre-season friendly this summer but has not been in any squad this term, was prominent in the club's release training alongside Sanchez, in addition to Marcus Bettinelli who has been dealing with an issue throughout the season.

Trevoh Chalobah too, currently out with an injury, could be seen working in the gym, while the first team were improving their physical fitness in one Instagram release.

READ MORE: Wesley Fofana issues Chelsea injury update as defender hints at significant step

READ MORE: Nkunku recovers and Badiashile returns in dream Chelsea behind-closed-doors friendly XI

Good spirits

In the gym and on the training pitch, the squad looked in good spirits despite some damp weather. Sanchez and James appeared to enjoy a close relationship as they held a pad for each other in one drill as they took turns to shoulder barge it. The Spanish goalkeeper even commented: "The power, man". However, that did not prevent him locking up with his captain for a tussle, with Sanchez using his leverage to feint some punches to the gut. All in good fun, of course.

Outside, as always, there was plenty of entertainment to be found in the rondo, and intensity too. The groups would race a bid to hit 20 passes with defensive bodies sliding across in a bid to claim the ball back.

There were cheers when Cucurella nutmegged Matos, while Broja was left lying on the floor devastated when he was left scrambling for the ball and could not complete his own pass. The disappointment evident in his claim of 'Alex, bro!'

Sterling appeared in good form in the drills, incessantly playing first time but with clever hidden flicks to keep the ball moving in tight spaces. Cucurella had a unique tactic in his attempt to try and slow down the Chelsea winger as he pressed his teammate when he had his foot on the ball, and bundled him over, with Sterling slipping on the ball. Gilchrist kept the one-touch drill going before it came to an end and Cucurella simply head in Sterling's direction unable to contain his laughter.

Under-18s opportunity

The international break also provides an opportunity for Chelsea's youth to experience working with the senior side. Injuries have meant that a number of the development squad has helped Pochettino fill out his squad, but the significantly reduced number, ensure an even greater number of teenagers have their chance to impress.

Among the group were the likes of Frankie Runham, Ollie Harrison, Harrison McMahon, Zain Silcott-Duberry and Donnell McNeilly.