Chelsea’s pre-season preparations continue today in Hong Kong as they face Juventus in a friendly. Xabi Alonso side have already played two matches with both sending up surprising results as the the new manager looks to get to grips with his new squad.
The first game was a 6-4 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers before Tottenham defeated Chelsea 2-1 thanks to a Richarlison winner in extra time.
Alonso knows there is more work to be done before the season begins in three weeks saying “we are at the stage of pre-season, so not where we want to be,” at a press conference on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck are recent arrivals to the club as is winger Geovany Quenda who, along with Welbeck, has joined the squad on their tour of Australia and Asia and could feature against Juve. Yet, Alonso knows there is work to be done
The Serie A side have enjoyed a decent pre-season with a draw against Basel quickly followed up by wins over Stanrd Liege and OGC Nice but can they beat the Blues this afternoon?
Follow all the action from Chelsea v Juventus with our live blog below:
Gary Cahill on Welbeck and Henderson signings
Chelsea have punted for experience in the transfer window with the signings of Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson.
Former Blues defender Gary Cahill had his say on both players: “They are top lads and ultra professional.
“They get the best out of themselves which is why they are still going strong at the age they are.
“I think they will bring their quality and experience. That experience will show through on the pitch, in certain moments in games, or at the training ground and in training sessions. They’ve been there and done it at the top level for years.”
A Chelsea legend
Moises Caicedo has an aim to become a ‘Chelsea legend’.
He’s signed a contract extension with the club and explained the reasons behind his decision.
“I wanted to keep playing for the club,” he said, “The club wanted to renew the contract and I said yes because I want to become a legend here.
“That is why I renewed my contract and for all of us, it’s important.”
Moises Caicedo thanks fans in Hong Kong
Moises Caicedo has been speaking about the Hong Kong leg of Chelsea’s Australia and Asia tour and he praised the fans for coming out to support the team.
“The people here have been great,” the midfielder said. “We feel like we are at home.
“Everyone here has been very kind. It’s my first time here in Hong Kong and I feel it’s like a home to me already. So for that, I want to say thank you to the fans.
“The way they support us with the time difference is incredible, it is not easy for them to watch in the Premier League.
“So we really appreciate them, because we feel and realise that the supporters here give everything for us.”
Chelsea’s statement on Mudryk ban being overturned
Chelsea released a statement on Mudryk’s ban being lifted and they are ‘pleased’ that the matter has been concluded.
“From the outset, this has been an extremely difficult period for Misha, both professionally and personally, and we are pleased that the matter has now reached a conclusion which allows him to return to football with immediate effect,” Chelsea said in a statement.
“We have always supported Misha throughout this process while fully respecting the integrity of the anti-doping system and the legal process.
“We welcome the acknowledgement that advances in the applicable scientific reporting standards for more reliable testing mean that, had Misha’s sample been analysed under today’s technical requirements, it would not have been reported as a positive test and no anti-doping rule violation would have resulted.”
Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk cleared for immediate return to football after resolving doping ban
Juventus early team news
Juventus are operating with a full-strength squad and could field new signings Kerim Alajbegovic and Randal Kolo Muani.
Chelsea’s early team news
Mykhailo Mudryk is back after a successful partial appeal against his doping suspension and will join the squad in Hong Kong, although there are doubts over his fitness.
Chelsea are without multiple players as they continue their recovery post-World Cup, most notably Reece James, Enzo Fernandez and new signing Valentin Barco, but Pedro Neto is back and Mike Penders could take the injured Robert Sanchez’s place between the sticks.
New signings Danny Welbeck and Geovany Quenda have also travelled to Hong Kong.
How can I watch it?
Viewers can watch the game on CFC+, Chelsea’s in-house service, with subscriptions available at £14.99 per year.
When is Chelsea v Juventus?
Chelsea play Juventus at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium on Wednesday 5 August, with kick-off at 12:30pm BST.
Chelsea v Juventus
The Blues have played two games on this tour with mixed results: a 6-4 win over Western Sydney Wanderers, featuring a Joao Pedro hat-trick, was followed by a last-gasp 2-1 defeat to 10-man Tottenham as Richarlison scored late in extra time.
Juventus have yet to concede in their own round of summer friendlies, having drawn 0-0 with Basel before beating Standard Liege and OGC Nice in their last encounter.
Chelsea’s squad is slowly taking shape as key players return from post-World Cup breaks, giving Alonso time to tinker with formations and his preferred XI ahead of the season starting in three weeks’ time.
