The international break is officially over and the players are now returning to different clubs after representing their country in one tournament or another. European teams compete in the European Championship qualifiers, Africa competes in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and South America plays a number of friendlies.
However, football fans will be happy to see the football club move on. The Premier League kicks off this weekend with an intriguing schedule, but Manchester City and Liverpool will be the toughest matches of the week.
The Citizens host Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool at Etihad Stadium. The home team is looking for ways to put pressure on Arsenal for the championship. Chelsea host Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge and are looking to hold Everton to a draw before the international break.
Manchester United's trip to St Mary's will be a tense and thrilling encounter with Newcastle United looking to avenge their League Cup defeat. Meanwhile, Arsenal will be chasing three points against Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Before this match, the standings before the international break were as follows:
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Chelsea defender Reece James tops Real Madrid's transfer wish list, according to reports in Spain.
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James has established himself as a key player for Chelsea after progressing through the club's youth system.
The 23-year-old has made 141 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 11 goals and providing 20 assists in that time.
James, who won the Champions League with Chelsea in the 2020-21 season, is currently being sought by Real Madrid, according to Spanish newspaper AS, who appreciates the player.
The England international has moved to the top of his wish list for a new right-back - with Real Madrid staff considered his fans. Chelsea, who have spent more than £600m since the summer, need to sell players to comply with Financial Fair Play rules and they can reap huge profits from James given his 'academy' graduation. .
But Real Madrid know that signing James will not be easy, with the defender on contract until 2028 and Chelsea are keen to keep him.
James appears to be enjoying life under Graham Potter despite Chelsea's difficulties this season - with the club finishing 10th in the Premier League - and speaking last month he predicted the Blues would become 'one of the best football teams in the world'.
"I don't think there's a title we can't win," James told Sky Sports. "When that happens I don't know, but with the team we're building and what the club is becoming...
"With all the young players, once we play together for a longer time, I think we will become one of the best teams in the world."
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