Chelsea head into Saturday's Premier League encounter with Newcastle United looking to extend their winning run in all competitions to five matches, reports agency.
Having put together a run of four victories in the space of 11 days, the international break came at the wrong time for Chelsea as they bid to keep pace with the form clubs in the top flight.
However, Frank Lampard may have been content to take a step back in order to assess the development of a team which, for all of its potential, remains in transition.
Despite finally keeping a clean sheet this season, there remains clear signs that Chelsea must improve at the back if they to kick on to the next level, although Lampard will have far less concerns about his attack.
Callum Hudson-Odoi has also contributed three assists during those fixtures, leaving Chelsea fans salivating at the prospect of the teenager, Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham being long-term occupants of the roles in the final third.
Nevertheless, despite now only sitting two points adrift of second-placed Manchester City, no-one at Chelsea is getting carried away with the strides which they have taken in recent weeks.
Lampard must find a way to manage his squad through seven more matches over a three-week period, which also includes a double-header with Ajax in the Champions League.
While the recently-appointed boss has shown a preference for youth since the start of the campaign, he has now reached the stage of the season where he will have to make more alterations to systems and personnel, leaving Chelsea with further obstacles to overcome if they are to continue on an upward curve.
Despite any positive result in England's capital this weekend arguably being regarded as a bonus, Bruce is aware that points must be recorded on a regular basis if he is to keep the club's fanbase on side in the long term.
Having suffered another injury while on international duty with France, N'Golo Kante is not expected to play any part of Saturday's match.
With Mateo Kovacic also sustaining a knock with Croatia, Ross Barkley could partner Jorginho, with Mount the most advanced of a midfield three.
Kurt Zouma should line up alongside Fikayo Tomori in defence, although there may be a change on the bench with Antonio Rudiger closing in on a return from a groin problem at a time when Andreas Christensen may be sidelined with an issue with his hamstring.
While Hudson-Odoi came through unscathed with England Under-21s on Tuesday night, Lampard may opt to rest the academy graduate this weekend, with Pedro in line to take his place.
As for Newcastle, Isaac Hayden will serve the second of his three-match ban, picked up for a straight red card against Leicester.
The remainder of the team could remain the same as the one which started against Man United, meaning another appearance on the bench for Andy Carroll.
