Xabi Alonso handed double Chelsea concern before Juventus
The latest Cole Palmer fitness update has sparked uncertainty ahead of Chelsea’s match against Juventus in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
Palmer worked away from the main group during Tuesday’s open training session, while Levi Colwill was also absent from team training.
Palmer received a huge reception when he emerged at Kai Tak Stadium, but the England international then completed individual work rather than joining his team-mates.
Nizaar Kinsella reported that Colwill did not train either. Palmer and Colwill were later seen sitting together on the bench watching the remainder of the session.
Neither player has been ruled out of Wednesday’s friendly, so their involvement against Juventus remains unclear.
🚨 NEW: Cole Palmer received a huge reception at Kai Tak Stadium. 💙
He is doing individual work and could be a doubt for Juventus, while Levi Colwill is also not training.
(@NizaarKinsella) #CFC pic.twitter.com/TFV8uuuLXP
— ChelseaReport (@chelsreport_) August 4, 2026
The situation will be one to monitor as Xabi Alonso prepares for Chelsea’s third major tour fixture.
Chelsea have been working intensively in Hong Kong ahead of the Juventus game, with Alonso personally involved in drills with Estevao. Palmer’s individual programme therefore stood out during a session otherwise focused on preparations for the Italian side.
There is no suggestion at this stage that Palmer has suffered a significant problem. Players often complete separate programmes during pre-season as workloads are carefully managed.
Colwill’s absence will also attract attention after the defender played during Chelsea’s earlier tour fixtures. Alonso will hope both players are available as he continues building towards the Premier League campaign.
Chelsea’s official tour schedule confirms Juventus are next at Kai Tak Stadium, before the squad moves on to fixtures against AC Milan and Johor Darul Ta’zim.
Wednesday’s team selection should provide a clearer indication of whether Palmer and Colwill were simply having their workloads managed or whether either player needs additional recovery time.
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