Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea faced their second pre-season game in two days on Sunday against Johor Darul Ta’zim in Malaysia, but Xabi Alonso received his best news before the game even started.
A second pre-season game in two days saw Chelsea take on a side that has won the last 12 Malaysian Super League titles. They are currently managed by former Watford and Wednesday boss Xisco Munoz.
Alonso made 11 changes to his side after Saturday’s 3-0 win over AC Milan, in which Joao Pedro scored a brace, and Moises Caicedo got a goal. An XI made up of fringe players and youngsters played on Sunday.
Aaron Anselmino was forced off in the first half, which came after Mamadou Sarr was removed from the team sheet and replaced by Tayo Subuloye. But before the match, Alonso got some good injury news.
Levi Colwill provides Xabi Alonso with some positive news
Colwill last featured against Tottenham during the 2-1 loss. But ahead of the 1-0 defeat to Juventus, Colwill was not seen in training. During the 3-0 win over Milan, Colwill was absent from the Blues squad.
Chelsea FC v Tottenham: Sydney Super Cup
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
It is unclear what injury Colwill has had, but given the lack of game time he has had over the last 12 months, it is understandable that Chelsea are taking their time with Colwill. He was absent on Sunday.
However, the England international was spotted on the pitch at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, sprinting across both sides of it as he steps up his recovery. A positive sign for Alonso ahead of August 24.
Suddenly, Chelsea have three centre-back injury concerns
Along with Colwill who is fighting to be fit for the opener against Fulham on August 24, Chelsea are now set to be without Anselmino. The Argentine seemed to pick up a muscle injury out in Malaysia.
Gary Cahill backs Levi Colwill to bounce back from injury
Credit: Martín Fonseca/Eurasia Sport Images/Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Then, there is Sarr. For now, the reason behind the Senegal international being named in the starting line-up and then coming back out remains to be seen. But Subuloye started instead of the versatile defender.
Obviously, Chelsea have huge strength in depth at centre-back. But for Anselmino and Sarr – two players that may want to leave for game time this summer – might be prevented from doing so if it’s bad injuries.