Chelsea get their abridged pre-season underway with a clash against Bayer Leverkusen at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues only returned to training on Monday after their Club World Cup triumph in the United States, and have just 13 days to prepare for their first Premier League game against Crystal Palace.
And it’s not been the ideal start for Enzo Maresca’s side after Levi Colwill suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the first session back.
Nevertheless, Chelsea will look to get some valuable minutes in their legs, with summer signings Estevao and Jorrel Hato potentially set to play their first minutes for the club.
Metro’s LIVE matchday blog will bring you all the build-up, confirmed team news and starting XIs, goal updates and minute-by-minute coverage
Your ultimate guide to the football season
In The Mixer: Exclusive analysis, FPL tips and transfer talk sent straight to your inbox every week – sign up, it's an open goal.
Sort:
August 8, 2025 5:49 pm
Chelsea team news
Ben Fleming
Starting XI: Jorgensen, Gusto, Acheampong, Chalobah, Cucurella, Caicedo, Santos, Estevao, Palmer, George, Delap.
Subs: Sanchez, Slonina, Tosin, Anselmino, Hato, James, Antwi, Fernandez, Rak-Sakyi, Essugo, Gittens, Neto, Joao Pedro
August 8, 2025 5:40 pm
Chelsea vs Bayer Leverkusen TV channel
Ben Fleming
The pre-season friendly will be televised on Channel 5, with live coverage getting underway from 6.30pm.
August 8, 2025 5:35 pm
Chelsea vs Bayer Leverkusen kick-off time
Ben Fleming
Chelsea’s clash with Bayer Leverkusen kicks off at 7pm BST this evening.
August 8, 2025 5:16 pm
Good afternoon!
Ben Fleming
Hello and welcome to Metro’s live coverage of Chelsea’s pre-season friendly with Bayer Leverkusen.
Stay with us for all the build-up, team news and match updates from Stamford Bridge.
MORE: Oliver Glasner reacts to Crystal Palace’s transfer links with £47m Chelsea star
MORE: Newcastle sent Nicolas Jackson message as Tottenham enter race for Chelsea striker
MORE: Jamie Carragher says Chelsea transfer decision will cost them shot at Premier League title