Chelsea have announced their squad for the pre-season tour of the United States, selecting as many as 28 players.
The Blues have been working under newly-appointed head coach Enzo Maresca since July 8, attempting to strike up a rapport ahead of their trip across the pond.
As many as five matches will take place in the USA, starting with a showdown against League One outfit Wrexham in California on July 24.
There is then either a three or four-day gap between fixtures, with encounters coming versus Celtic, Club America and Manchester City before the final clash against Real Madrid on August 6.
Maresca has taken the approach of including 28 players in the travelling group, the current depth available to the Italian being made clear.
The 2️⃣8️⃣ Blues travelling Stateside. 👇#BluesInTheUSA pic.twitter.com/LrjY2acHEN
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 22, 2024
New signings, academy players included
New arrivals Renato Veiga, Tosin Adarabioyo, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Marc Guiu have all been selected for the upcoming matches.
Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia are other notable names having missed all but a few minutes of the 2023-24 campaign through injury.
Andrey Santos, despite his likely loan switch to Strasbourg, and fellow Brazilian Angelo Gabriel will also look to make positive impressions.
There are also several youth players involved, with Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George in line to earn minutes against some quality opposition.
Lesley Ugochukwu and Armando Broja have each been linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge but will still board the plane.
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Chalobah among absentees
According to widespread reports, Trevoh Chalobah has been prevented from going on the tour courtesy of co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital preferring to cash in on the defender.
Goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic misses out with a minor injury, as does Omari Kellyman, while there are also no spots in the squad for Cesare Casadei and David Datro Fofana.
After their recent international efforts, the likes of Marc Cucurella, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer are left out for the time being.
Conor Gallagher has also been away with his country, but it remains to be seen whether the England international will be allowed to join up with the squad due to the speculation surrounding his future.
Darren Plant
