Chelsea arrange secret Portsmouth friendly as Xabi Alonso assesses squad during international break

Chelsea will face Portsmouth in a behind-closed-doors friendly this weekend as Xabi Alonso looks to make use of the extended international break.

The fixture will give Chelsea players who have remained at Cobham an opportunity to build fitness and impress Alonso before the Premier League campaign resumes.

With a number of first-team players currently away representing their countries, the unofficial game provides valuable minutes for those who have not been involved in international football.

Football Place understands Championship side Portsmouth will provide the opposition, with the match taking place away from supporters and behind closed doors.

There will therefore be no public attendance, with the fixture primarily designed as a training exercise.

Chelsea have a three-week gap between competitive matches during the current international period. Their last outing ended in a disappointing 3-0 defeat away to Brentford.

Alonso's side return to Premier League action against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on October 10.

The Portsmouth game gives the Chelsea head coach an opportunity to keep his available players match-sharp rather than relying solely on training sessions throughout that gap.

This is not a new approach under Alonso.

Before Chelsea departed for their pre-season tour of south-east Asia and Australia, they played two private matches at their Cobham training base.

Chelsea beat Crawley Town 3-1 before recording a 3-0 victory against Bromley.

The Portsmouth fixture therefore continues Alonso's willingness to use unofficial games as part of his preparations.

It could also offer opportunities to players seeking more regular competitive minutes once Premier League football returns.

The friendly arrives at a useful moment for Chelsea following a downturn in their league form.

An encouraging beginning under Alonso has been followed by three matches without a victory, leaving Chelsea 10th in the Premier League.

Their defeat at Brentford was particularly disappointing and means Alonso will want a response when Bournemouth visit Stamford Bridge.

Portsmouth have endured difficulties of their own this season. John Mousinho's team sit 19th in the Championship after winning two of their opening seven matches.

They drew 2-2 against Blackburn Rovers at Fratton Park in their most recent fixture.

Chelsea and Portsmouth have not met competitively since January 2012, when the Blues recorded a 4-0 victory at Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup third round.

This weekend's meeting will be considerably less glamorous, but for Alonso and the Chelsea players remaining at Cobham, it provides a useful opportunity during an unusually long break.

Chelsea's internationals will gradually return to Cobham following their commitments, while Alonso will assess the condition of his squad ahead of Bournemouth.

For those remaining in England, the Portsmouth friendly offers a rare chance to gain meaningful match minutes during the break and potentially strengthen their case for involvement when Premier League action resumes.