Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Morgan Rogers will be fit for Chelsea's opening Premier League match against Fulham on August 24, despite not joining the squad for their pre-season tour of Australia and Asia.
Rogers completed a club-record £117 million transfer from Aston Villa last week, signing a seven-year contract until 2033. The 24-year-old has been given an extended break after featuring for England at the World Cup, where they finished third in North America. He started and provided an assist in the semi-final defeat to Argentina.
Ready for the season
Alonso, speaking in Sydney, said he had no doubts about Rogers' fitness. "Yes," he replied when asked if Rogers would be ready for the Fulham game. "All the ones who come later because they reached the final stages of the World Cup, they will be ready. We have a few of them so they have to be ready."
The Chelsea boss also outlined his plan to integrate Rogers alongside Cole Palmer, who played a key role in convincing Rogers to join the club. "I have a plan. I have an idea. I can see them linking really well," Alonso said.
Versatility and impact
Alonso emphasized Rogers' flexibility, noting his ability to play on the left, right, or through the middle. "One of his best qualities is that he is flexible," he said. "In that pocket position, close to the striker, close to our No10, but he's played as well on the right side, but more coming from the left."
Rogers netted 14 goals last season for Aston Villa, helping them win the Europa League and finish fourth in the Premier League. Alonso believes he can make an immediate impact at Stamford Bridge. "When we started talking, we wanted to build a competitive squad, and you need players who can have that almost instant impact, and I'm sure Morgan won't need much time to adapt," Alonso added.
