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The second international break of the season is here with Chelsea going into the hiatus on the back of a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest.

The Blues came from behind to earn a point, but were unable to extend their five game winning run in all competitions. Enzo Maresca’s men will now have eyes on one of their toughest tests of the season when domestic football returns when they travel to take on top-of-the-table Liverpool at Anfield.

Overall, it has been a positive few weeks for Chelsea. The side sit in fourth place in the Premier League table, on the same points as Aston Villa in fifth place, and three points behind Man City and Arsenal.

The international break will give Maresca to reflect on the season so far and work with a small group of players not away on international duty. However, most of the squad will be off around the world representing their nations.

As soon as they are back at Cobham that’s when the preparations for the Liverpool game will really start. While we wait for that, football.london takes a look at some of the stories doing the rounds, and give our own thoughts too.

Lavia decision 'made'

Chelsea appear to be searching for a potential replacement for Romeo Lavia, amid the midfielder’s continuing struggles with injury. The 20-year-old arrived from Southampton for £58 million in the summer of 2023 but injuries have seen him make just four first team appearances for the squad.

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According to Tuttomercatoweb, Chelsea now have their eyes on Hellas Verona’s Reda Belahyane. The report says that club scouts were in attendance for Friday night’s 2-1 win over Venezia.

Belahyane’s idol is former Chelsea star N’Golo Kante, who he tries to base his game off. He has become a key player for the Serie A side since moving from Nice back in January.

FL Says : If Chelsea’s interest in Belahyane is genuine, then it would point to the club bringing in a replacement for Lavia. It would then leave the Blues with a decision to make over what the future of the midfielder looks like.

If they were to sell, then they wouldn’t get anywhere near the fee they paid for him just 18 months ago. One option would be to loan him out and hope that he can prove his fitness.

If that is the case, then he could return to Chelsea and either fight for his place or complete a permanent move away for a higher fee.

'Talks held' over wonderkid

Chelsea are one of the sides to have held talks over a move for Santos’ highly-rated full-back Joao Pedro Chermont according to CaughtOffside . The teenager is said to have a £58 million release clause in his contract, but the Brazilian side are reported to be open to offers below that figure after their relegation from the top division of Brazilian football.

It adds that both Chelsea and Arsenal have held talks with the 18-year-old’s representatives and are now preparing to make an opening bid ahead of the January transfer window. Real Madrid and Barcelona are also said to be keeping a close eye on the defender.

FL says : There is a lot of talent to be found in the Brazilian league and Chelsea have already tapped into it. Estevao Willian will move to Stamford Bridge in the summer with the Blues paying £29 million plus add-ons that could take the fee for £52 million. It seems that Todd Boehly could now be looking at a similar deal for a player the same age.

Chermont was a regular for Santos last season, and their relegation from Serie A means that he could be available at a bargain price. Chelsea will just hope that they can beat off competition for the Brazil U20 international.