Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have both been left out of Chelsea’s squad to face Juventus in Hong Kong as Xabi Alonso takes precautions over the fitness of two key players.
Neither Palmer nor Colwill features in Wednesday’s pre-season friendly at Kai Tak Stadium, although there is currently no suggestion either has suffered a serious setback.
The Evening Standard reports that both issues are believed to be minor, with Alonso unwilling to take unnecessary risks so close to the start of the Premier League campaign.
Palmer completed individual work away from the rest of Chelsea’s squad during Tuesday’s open training session.
The 24-year-old struggled with a recurring groin problem last season, so his workload is continuing to be carefully managed.
Colwill did not participate in Tuesday’s session at all.
Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill absences are precautionary
Colwill only recently returned from the ACL injury which kept him out for the majority of last season.
Chelsea are therefore being particularly careful with his minutes during pre-season rather than risking another setback ahead of the competitive campaign.
Their absences represent two changes from the team ReadChelsea expected Alonso to field against Juventus in our match preview, with both Palmer and Colwill initially predicted to start in Hong Kong.
Alonso has still named an intriguing side.
Danny Welbeck makes his Chelsea debut following his summer arrival, while highly-rated 16-year-old midfielder Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli is handed his first start.
There is also a significant return among the substitutes.
Mykhailo Mudryk is back in a Chelsea matchday squad for the first time since November 2024 following his doping suspension.
The Ukrainian has recently returned to training and Alonso has already made clear that his fitness will need to be rebuilt progressively before any decision is made over his longer-term role.
For Palmer and Colwill, however, the message appears considerably more straightforward.
Chelsea are choosing caution rather than taking unnecessary risks with two players expected to have major roles when the Premier League season begins.
