Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill did not feature in Chelsea’s pre-season friendly against Juventus in Hong Kong on August 5, with both sidelined due to minor fitness concerns. The two players previously missed England’s 2026 World Cup squad due to injuries, which explains the London club’s conservative approach. Alonso, who took over as Chelsea manager ahead of the 2026/27 season, brought a 29-man squad on the club’s Asia and Australia tour, with stops in Australia, Hong Kong, and Jakarta. The match took place at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park and was broadcast on Chelsea’s CFC+ streaming platform. This decision reflects a growing trend among top-tier clubs sponsored by crypto to prioritize player longevity over pre-season spectacle.
Source: Read the original article
