Chelsea’s pre-season tour is officially over, and after two hectic weeks on the road, Xabi Alonso and his squad can finally turn their attention back to Cobham.
The Blues travelled through four countries — Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Malaysia — playing five matches along the way. Now, however, the focus shifts to getting the squad back together and making final preparations ahead of the new season.
One of Alonso’s biggest tasks this week will be integrating several first-team players who have only just returned from extended breaks following their involvement at the World Cup.
Among those expected back at Chelsea’s training ground is Enzo Fernandez.
The Argentina midfielder is set to resume training this week despite continued speculation surrounding his future at Stamford Bridge. Real Madrid were linked with Fernandez earlier in the summer, although there was never any direct contact between the Spanish giants and Chelsea over a potential transfer.
Real Madrid subsequently confirmed last month that they would not be pursuing a move for the 25-year-old during this transfer window.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have remained calm throughout the speculation. The club’s position has reportedly been straightforward: Fernandez would only be allowed to leave if his £120 million valuation was met.
For now, everything points towards the midfielder staying in west London.
Alonso has made no secret of his desire to keep Fernandez at Chelsea, and the expectation within the club is that the Argentina international will remain part of the squad for the coming campaign.
Fernandez will therefore reunite with his teammates at Cobham later this week as Alonso steps up preparations for Saturday’s pre-season meeting with Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge.
More World Cup stars set to return
Fernandez is not the only player expected back at Cobham.
New arrivals Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix and Valentin Barco are also due to report for training after representing England, France and Argentina respectively at the World Cup.
Their returns will give Alonso a much fuller squad to work with as he prepares to make his final decisions before the competitive season begins.
Pep Chavarria is also expected to join up with his new teammates once his £16.2 million move from Rayo Vallecano, plus potential add-ons, is officially confirmed.
The deal is understood to be completed, with only Chelsea’s formal announcement still required.
Jordan Henderson’s situation, meanwhile, will require closer attention.
The experienced midfielder suffered a serious arm injury while celebrating England’s World Cup victory over Mexico last month. Although Alonso expects Henderson to be able to begin training alongside the other players who featured in the latter stages of the tournament, Chelsea will first assess the extent of his injury.
“We have a few of them involved, so we are looking forward to welcome them,” Alonso said.
“And Jordan, we need to assess because of the injury he had, how long it would take to be fit to compete. He can train, but we need to be aware of the situation.”
Alonso gets his squad together
Reece James and Malo Gusto are also expected to return to training this week, giving Alonso further options as he continues to shape his side.
Emmanuel Emegha remains on the sidelines after the hamstring injury that ruled him out of the pre-season tour. However, the forward is reportedly making encouraging progress behind the scenes.
With the travelling portion of pre-season now complete, Chelsea enter an important phase.
Alonso has had the opportunity to assess much of his squad during the tour, but the return of the World Cup players will provide a far clearer picture of the group he will take into the new campaign.
The Real Sociedad friendly at Stamford Bridge will offer another opportunity to fine-tune the team, and with the new season approaching rapidly, Alonso will be hoping his returning stars can quickly find their rhythm.
