Chelsea duo Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill were absent from the matchday squad for the match against Juventus due to “minor injury”, according to BBC journalist Nizaar Kinsella.
Writing on the BBC Live Blog, Kinsella revealed neither player was able to train with the first-team squad on Tuesday, and they were subsequently ruled out for the friendly:
“Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill miss today’s match through a minor injury. They both missed training yesterday, but there isn’t any concern, which is highlighted by them both going out shopping in Hong Kong and getting mobbed by a large group of fans.”
It should be pointed out that simply walking around Hong Kong is NOT an indication either way about the severity of their injuries.
Some stars with major long-term fitness problems can do similar things, but Kinsella is a reliable source, so the pair are likely to be back to face AC Milan this weekend.
Palmer has eased concerns about his fitness:
Speaking just before the Juventus game, Cole Palmer gave an interview where he said that he wasn’t selected as a precaution:
“I am obviously disappointed not to play due to a slight issue, but I love Hong Kong and this amazing support. The stadium and fans are amazing, and it should be a good night.”
Latest Chelsea injury news
Having missed the start of the pre-season tour with a minor knock, Geovany Quenda is back available, and he was named in the starting lineup by manager Xabi Alonso to face Juve.
Romeo Lavia was also a notable absentee for the first friendly against Western Sydney Wanderers, but he played the first 45 minutes during the 2-1 defeat to Tottenham last weekend.
Emmanuel Emegha is, however, still on the sidelines, having sustained a hamstring problem during a behind-closed-doors match against Bromley a couple of weeks ago.