Chelsea's pre-season tour continues with a clash against Juventus in Hong Kong today, with Mykhailo Mudryk on the bench. The Blues are looking to bounce back from a 2-1 defeat to 10-man Tottenham in Sydney last weekend.
Alonso admits side not up to speed
It was Chelsea's first loss under Xabi Alonso, with Spurs scoring with virtually the last kick of the game. The Blues boss acknowledged his side are not yet where they want to be with three weeks until the Premier League season starts.
"We are at the stage of pre-season, so not where we want to be, for sure," Alonso said in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
Senior players return
Moises Caicedo and Nicolas Jackson rejoined the squad last weekend after extended World Cup leave but were not involved against Spurs. Caicedo starts today. Robert Sanchez is also back after missing the Spurs defeat through injury, competing with Mike Penders for the goalkeeper spot.
Mudryk is included following his return from a doping ban. The 25-year-old hasn't played for Chelsea since November 2024, and Alonso said he won't be able to play the full 90 minutes.
"He came directly from the airport to the hotel. Yesterday was more about the feelings and emotions, than to assess fitness level. But yes, he could play. 90 minutes too early. He can be selected, he can play," Alonso said.
New signings debut
Danny Welbeck makes his Chelsea debut after arriving from Brighton for an undisclosed fee, as does winger Geovany Quenda, who stayed at Cobham to recover from a knock.
Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill are absent, along with those who reached the latter World Cup stages, including Morgan Rogers and Jordan Henderson.
Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Palestra, Tosin, Fofana, Hato; Nicoll-Jazuli, Caicedo, Quenda, Gittens; Welbeck, Joao Pedro
Time and date: 12.30pm BST on Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Venue: Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong Kong
How to watch: CFC+
