Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Morgan Rogers will be fit for the start of the Premier League season, despite the £117 million forward missing the club's pre-season tour of Australia and Asia. Rogers completed his record move from Aston Villa last week, signing a seven-year contract until 2033, but has been given an extended break following the World Cup.
Alonso stated in Sydney that Rogers, who was part of Thomas Tuchel's England squad that finished third in the World Cup, will join up with Chelsea upon their return to Cobham next month. “Yes, all the ones who came later because they reached the final stages of the World Cup, they will be ready,” Alonso said when asked if Rogers would be fit for Chelsea's opening Premier League game away to Fulham on August 24.
The manager also revealed a plan to integrate Rogers into the team alongside Cole Palmer, a close friend from their time at Manchester City's academy. “I have a plan. I have an idea. I can see them linking really well,” Alonso said. “We need to have a good mix. If we get that balance right and those special players in the right positions with good control, then we will be more competitive.”
Rogers enjoyed a superb campaign last season, scoring 14 goals across all competitions as Aston Villa won the Europa League and finished fourth in the Premier League. Alonso believes the 24-year-old can make an instant impact, citing his versatility. “One of his best qualities is that he is flexible,” Alonso said, noting that Rogers can play through the middle, on the right, or cutting in from the left. “I’m sure Morgan won’t need much time to adapt to the club, to the system, to his team-mates.”
