EPL

Chelsea vs Juventus pre-season friendly team news

Joel Masibo 05th August, 2026 02:54 PM

Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso has opted to ease Mykhaylo Mudryk back into action after naming the Ukrainian winger among the substitutes for Wednesday, August 5, 2026, pre-season meeting with Juventus in Hong Kong.

Ahead of the friendly, Alonso had indicated that Mudryk was available following the lifting of his doping suspension last Friday. However, the Blues boss has decided against including him in the starting XI as Chelsea continue their preparations for the new campaign.

Danny Welbeck signs for Chelsea. PHOTO/https://web.facebook.com/ChelseaFC

Instead, Chelsea’s lineup features several notable selections. Summer signing Danny Welbeck has been handed his first appearance for the club after completing his move from Brighton & Hove Albion over the weekend.

In goal, Robert Sanchez returns after recovering from a minor injury setback, while highly-rated 16-year-old Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli has been trusted with a place in central midfield.

New recruit Geovany Quenda also makes his first start in Chelsea colours and is expected to operate on the right wing, with Jamie Gittens occupying the opposite flank.

Another tactical decision sees Joao Pedro deployed in the attacking midfield role behind the striker, despite being widely viewed as Chelsea’s preferred centre-forward option.

Chelsea will be without Levi Colwill and Cole Palmer, with both players omitted from the squad because of minor fitness concerns.

Chelsea lineup against Juventus on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/ChelseaFC — https://www.facebook.com/ChelseaFC

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.” He said.