Chelsea continue their pre-season tour of Australia and Asia with a clash against Juventus in Hong Kong, with Mykhailo Mudryk pushing for his first minutes since his doping ban was lifted.
Mudryk available but not for full 90
Mudryk has not played for Chelsea since November 2024, and head coach Xabi Alonso confirmed he could be selected but is not yet fit for the full match. “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.
Team news and injury updates
Robert Sanchez returns to the squad after missing the Tottenham defeat through injury, competing with Mike Penders for the goalkeeping spot. Moises Caicedo and Nicolas Jackson joined the squad last weekend after extended World Cup leave but were not involved against Spurs.
New signings Danny Welbeck and Geovany Quenda are in contention, with Quenda having recovered from a knock. Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill are doubts after Palmer did individual work and Colwill missed training.
Alonso admits side not where they want to be
Chelsea lost 2-1 to 10-man Tottenham in Sydney, their first defeat under Alonso. “We are at the stage of pre-season, so not where we want to be, for sure,” he said in his pre-match press conference.
Alonso remains without players who reached the latter stages of the World Cup, including Morgan Rogers and Jordan Henderson.
Predicted Chelsea XI vs Juventus
Penders, Palestra, Fofana, Tosin, Hato, Lavia, Caicedo, Quenda, Walsh, Gittens, Joao Pedro.
Time and date: 12.30pm BST on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. Venue: Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong Kong. How to watch: CFC+
