Chelsea have taken a 25-man squad to the United States as they continue their preparations for the upcoming season by taking part in the Guinness International Champions Cup and barring one or two changes it’s probably more-or-less the squad we’ll start the season with.
The travelling squad:
Goalkeepers:
Petr Cech, Mark Schwarzer, Hilario, Jamal Blackman
Defenders:
Branislav Ivanovic, Ashley Cole, Gary Cahill, John Terry, Cesar Azpilicueta, Ryan Bertrand, David Luiz
Midfielders:
John Mikel Obi, Michael Essien, Oscar, Ramires, Frank Lampard, Marco van Ginkel, Eden Hazard, Juan Mata, Victor Moses, Andre Schurrle, Kevin De Bruyne
Forwards:
Fernando Torres, Romelu Lukaku, Demba Ba.
At first many seemed surprised that Hilario was included in the travelling part as his contract expired this summer but it looks as though his stay has been extended, but I’m not entirely sure what the benefit of taking four goalkeepers is and I’d prefer to see another youngster given the chance.
Jose Mourinho must have been impressed by Tomas Kalas as he was intending to take the defender but he has had to pull out because he’s injured. I’m not sure what the story is with Kenneth Omeruo, who I’d rate ahead of Kalas at the moment as there has been rumours that he needs shoulder surgery or he will be going out on loan again, but it’s a shame that he hasn’t had the opportunity to impress the manager.
If reports are to be believed the club are still interested in signing Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney but are holding off on a second bid. He’s the only high profile signing on the cards so there probably won’t be too many changes from the above squad.
Chelsea will play their first game of the tour against Inter Milan in Indianapolis on Thursday (01:00am on Friday UK time). They will feature in three more games after then across the pond before returning to London.
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