Left out: Nicolas Jackson
Chelsea Football Newsletter
Nicolas Jackson has been left out of Chelsea’s squad to face Bayer Leverkusen amid transfer speculation.
The striker is the subject of interest from Newcastle, among other clubs, and has reportedly asked to explore a move away from west London this summer. He misses out for the Leverkusen friendly, as does Christopher Nkunku, who is also set to leave.
Willian Estevao will make his Chelsea debut from the off, while Jamie Gittens and Jorrel Hato are on the bench as they await their first minutes in blue.
Elsewhere, Liam Delap is set for his home debut after impressing at the Club World Cup.
Enzo Maresca had injury headaches over Benoit Badiashile, Dario Essugo and Enzo Fernandez after the Club World Cup final, but after three weeks off since the Blues’ triumph in the United States, all three are available for selection.
The game is Chelsea’s first since that 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in East Rutherford, New Jersey, when the Blues were crowned world champions thanks to Cole Palmer’s brace and Joao Pedro’s third goal in two games.
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