Chelsea star left in tears as double injury blow overshadows 3-3 Johor pre-season draw
Chelsea suffered a double defensive injury blow during Sunday’s 3-3 draw with Johor Darul Ta’zim as Mamadou Sarr withdrew before kick-off and Aaron Anselmino was forced off during the first half.
Sarr had originally been named in Xabi Alonso’s starting XI, but Chelsea made a late change which saw Tayo Subuloye come into the back three. Chelsea’s official team news confirmed the alteration shortly before kick-off.
Anselmino then lasted only 29 minutes before pulling up and requiring treatment. The Argentine appeared visibly upset as he left the pitch, with Football.London reporting that he was in tears after suffering the setback.
🚨🔵 𝐀𝐚𝐫𝐨́𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐨 (𝟐𝟏) looked in tears as he was forced off injured during Chelsea’s friendly against Johor Darul Ta’zim.
Wishing him a speedy recovery. A top talent who’s had such unfortunate luck with injuries. ❤️🩹 pic.twitter.com/tSeFsnJ0gi
— Rising Stars XI (@RisingStarXI) August 9, 2026
The problem came at an awkward time for Anselmino, who has been trying to build momentum during Alonso’s first pre-season as Chelsea head coach.
The 21-year-old had started alongside Subuloye and Tosin Adarabioyo before 16-year-old Reggie Watson replaced him. Chelsea’s official match report confirmed Anselmino was forced off through injury midway through the first half.
Anselmino has endured several injury interruptions during the early stages of his Chelsea career, making every opportunity during pre-season particularly important.
Sarr’s late withdrawal added to Alonso’s concern. Chelsea have yet to confirm the exact nature or severity of either problem, so both defenders will now require assessment after the squad returns from Asia.
The setbacks took some of the attention away from an entertaining final game of the tour.
Liam Delap scored twice from the penalty spot as Chelsea came from behind three times to earn a 3-3 draw. ReadChelsea’s full match report details all six goals and the main talking points from the game.
Chelsea still have several centre-back options available to Alonso, but Trevoh Chalobah’s permanent move to Como has already reduced the numbers competing for places.
For Anselmino in particular, the timing is unfortunate. He now faces another wait to discover whether the injury will affect his chances of featuring in Chelsea’s final pre-season fixture against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge.
dave.sport is in beta
We are building a new home for independent sports coverage. dave.sport is currently in beta, with new features and publisher tools rolling out as we test what fans need most.
Explore the beta
WATCH: Chelsea v Johor highlights from chaotic six-goal draw
WATCH: Chelsea v Johor highlights from chaotic six-goal draw
Trevoh Chalobah ends 19-year Chelsea era as Cesc Fàbregas’ Como complete €36m deal
Trevoh Chalobah ends 19-year Chelsea era as Cesc Fàbregas’ Como complete €36m deal