Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images
Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images
Xabi Alonso and Chelsea finished their pre-season with a 3-1 win against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
New signing Morgan Rogers scored on his unofficial debut to put Chelsea 1-0 up before Jon Aramburu equalised for Real Sociedad on the stroke of half-time.
The Blues had too much for the visitors in the end, though, with Joao Pedro bagging a brace in the second half to win the game for his side.
Alonso put out a very strong XI featuring the likes of Pedro and Rogers, but there were some noticeable absentees from the matchday squad.
Xabi Alonso’s decision to omit Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap, Mykhailo Mudryk, Tosin Adarabioyo and Mamadou Sarr
Liam Delap scored two goals in Chelsea’s previous game against Johor Darul Ta’zim. It was only a friendly, but it was arguably the striker’s best performance in a blue shirt.
Nevertheless, Delap was still omitted from Chelsea’s squad for Saturday’s fixture. Nicolas Jackson, Mykhailo Mudryk, Tosin Adarabioyo and Mamadou Sarr were also excluded.
According to BBC Sport, it was Alonso’s decision to leave all five players out, casting doubts on their already uncertain futures.
Mudryk and Sarr are only expected to depart Stamford Bridge on loan, but Delap, Jackson and Adarabioyo could all leave permanently this summer.
Liam Delap of Chelsea celebrates scoring
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Como are interested in Delap, but it is thought that the 23-year-old wants to remain in the Premier League.
Despite not being included in Saturday’s matchday squad, Jackson is enjoying working under Alonso and is believed to be open to remaining at Chelsea beyond the summer. However, the decision to stay in west London may be taken out of his hands.
Chelsea begin their Premier League campaign with a trip to Fulham before hosting Brighton & Hove Albion at the Bridge.
The Club World Cup winners have lost a couple of friendlies under Alonso, but it has mostly been a positive pre-season, so supporters will be hoping for a bright start to the new campaign.