Apart from Bentaleb (1) none of our World Cup players have played any games. No Paulinho, no Dembele, no Chadli. I assume Poch doesn't think they were ready. As for Saturday - who knows. He will be first choice when the Manager thinks he is ready to go.
Lloris played on Saturday, SD. But yeah, Jan is one of many World Cup players that hasn't played in preseason. Maybe he's unhappy, who knows, but there's no more reason to suspect he's on his way out than there is with Aguero and Kompany missing City's game yesterday. If he's fit, I reckon he'll start. The others that haven't played are probably less likely as they aren't as important so can be brought back in slowly with the Europa League and maybe some sub appearances.
I doubt Lloris was that exhausted from the world cup. He might be a sweeper keeper but he still hardly runs anywhere in comparison to the outfield players.
I don't think it's just the games that tire players but also training through the summer. They had to stay match fit for an extra 2 months compared to other players. 'Keepers might not be running around for 90 minutes each game but they still have to be very fit, it's not like the old days with Southall. Also I think there's mental pressures too, following up a long season with an even more pressurised environment with the World Cup is bound to take it's toll. Luiz was considered to be having a good tournament up until the semis and look how far he fell, it can't be easy knowing one bad day can bring you a lot of scorn. I think Lloris' inclusion might be as much to do with 'keepers getting back up to speed quicker than outfield players, more than the World Cup being less taxing.
Would be surprised if he plays. He hasn't played in pre season, for that reason alone he should not be anywhere near the squad. Would be a kick in the teeth to the players who have played.
I do not understand how it would be a kick in the teeth to the players who have played. Everybody needs a break from their job, both physically and Mentally. It Verts is fit he should start.
Bentaleb may be playing because he's younger, more ambitious and played a game less than the others. Man City and Arsenal also didn't play World Cup players. The sensible thing is to treat them as slightly injured, and bring them back without rushing. Vertonghen may be the only one who has a starting spot to return to, though Poch may like Paulinho. My all-BS all the time transfer rumor thread has Barca going after Walker now, as it had them going after Vertonghen earlier.
