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Alonso provides update on Mudryk, Welbeck and Henderson ahead of Chelsea’s next pre-season test
04th August, 2026 06:29 PM
Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso has confirmed that new arrival Danny Welbeck and winger Mykhailo Mudryk are both available for selection after linking up with the squad during the club’s pre-season tour in Hong Kong.
Welbeck officially completed his move from Brighton & Hove Albion on Friday, July 31, 2026 while Mudryk has returned to first-team activities after the conclusion of the anti-doping case that had sidelined him since December 2024.
The pair joined goalkeeper Mike Penders, Gabriel Slonina, Geovany Quenda and Pedro Neto as the latest additions to Chelsea’s touring squad for the second stage of the Asian trip. The Blues are now preparing for their upcoming friendly against Italian giants Juventus at the Kai Tak Stadium.
Mudryk took part in training shortly after landing in Hong Kong on Monday, August 3, 2026, but Alonso stressed that the Ukrainian will be eased back into competitive action as the club carefully manages his return. Even so, the Chelsea boss confirmed that both Mudryk and Welbeck are available for the upcoming fixtures.
“Yes,” Alonso replied when asked if the duo are ready to feature. “He (Mudryk) came direct from the airport to the hotel.
‘Yesterday was more about the feelings, the emotions to be back with the team more than assessing the fitness level. He could play, maybe 90 minutes too early, but he can be selected. He is selected so he can play.’
Chelsea have also received another boost with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez nearing full fitness. The Spaniard missed the previous pre-season clash against Tottenham Hotspur due to a minor injury but returned to training with the squad in Hong Kong.
Alonso revealed that Sanchez has recovered well and is once again available for consideration ahead of the meeting with Juventus.
Meanwhile, experienced midfielder Jordan Henderson has not travelled with the squad after recently completing his move to Stamford Bridge. The former England captain has been given a short break following the FIFA World Cup, where England secured a third-place finish.
The 36-year-old is expected to report to Chelsea’s Cobham training base after his holiday, although the club will first evaluate the arm injury he sustained during the tournament before determining when he can return to competitive football.
“With Jordan, we expect he can start training with all the rest of the players who were involved in the semis of the World Cup. We had a few of them involved, so we are looking forward to welcoming them. We need to assess Jordan because of the injury he had, how long it will take for him to be fit to compete. He can train but we need to be aware of the situation.” He said.
Chelsea will now continue their preparations in Hong Kong, with Alonso expected to use the remaining pre-season matches to build fitness across his squad before the start of the new campaign.
