Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill omitted from Chelsea squad for Juventus friendly at Kai Tak Sports Park
Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill were not included in Chelsea’s squad for the pre-season friendly against Juventus at Kai Tak Sports Park on August 5, 2026, after reportedly suffering minor fitness issues and being left out as a precaution.
Xabi Alonso is leading Chelsea into the 2026-27 pre-season programme and the Juventus match is the club’s third friendly of the summer. Chelsea opened their preparations with a 6-4 win over Western Sydney Wanderers before losing 1-2 to Tottenham Hotspur after conceding a late goal in the second friendly. Alonso has delivered what the report describes as only average performances across those first two matches. Chelsea finished 10th in the English top division last season and will not compete in European competition in 2026-27.
The two absences were explained as fitness-related precautions: Palmer trained individually rather than with the first team, while Colwill did not train. Both players were omitted from the matchday selection for the visit of Juventus as a result of those training circumstances. The decisions were framed as measures to protect short-term fitness rather than long-term injuries.
Alonso retains time to finalise tactical plans ahead of the Premier League season, and the squad adjustments for the Juventus game open opportunities for younger players. The report states youngsters will receive valuable minutes on the field during the remaining pre-season fixtures. Those appearances are presented as part of Chelsea’s broader assessment of options before competitive matches begin.
Mykhailo Mudryk has rejoined the Chelsea squad after a four-year suspension was rescinded; the report notes he had been out of action for around 20 months. With Mudryk available again, Chelsea have an additional forward option within the squad for the remainder of pre-season. The article presents his return as a change to Chelsea’s attacking options ahead of the new campaign.
The friendly with Juventus at Kai Tak Sports Park serves as Chelsea’s third club friendly ahead of the 2026-27 campaign and will be used to hand playing time to younger squad members while Alonso continues to evaluate tactical choices prior to the start of the Premier League.
