Reece James has missed out on Chelsea’s travelling party for their pre-season tour to the USA through illness, but is expected to join them later on in the week.
Mauricio Pochettino is set for a first look at his new side in action across the Atlantic, with the Blues taking on Wrexham in the Florida Cup final before a clash with Borussia Dortmund ahead of the new season kicking off, where they face a tough test against Liverpool.
In naming his squad to take on tour, there were several notable absentees, most clearly Reece James, who has been the first choice right back at the club for the past three seasons but has struggled with injuries during that time.
However, much to the relief of Chelsea fans, it has been revealed that the Englishman is only suffering with illness, and is expected to join up with the squad after shaking off the virus.
Chelsea have announced their 29 man squad for the United States:
In: Bergstrom, Beach, Cumming, Gusto, Humphreys, Maatsen, Gilchrist, Casadei, Angelo Gabriel, Moreira, Burstow, Dujuan Richards (training only).
Out: Aubameyang, Hudson-Odoi, Lukaku, Ziyech, Badiashile (injured).
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) July 17, 2023
Also absent are a quartet of players that the Blues are looking to be rid of, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in talks with Marseilles over a potential move and Hakim Ziyech, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Romelu Lukaku all told to find new clubs before the start of the season.
There are also injury concerns in west London, with Benoit Badiashile still recovering from a hamstring issue and Armando Broja continuing to recover from a knee injury that saw him miss the second part of the season.
