Chelsea’s US pre-season tour will not include some well-known players, raising doubts about their future at the club. The 28-man squad that will travel to the United States includes a game against Wrexham in California on Wednesday, followed by matches against Celtic, Club America, Manchester City and Real Madrid.
Among the 43 players not included are Romelu Lukaku, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Trevoh Chalobah, Cesare Casadei, David Datro Fofana and Malang Sarr, fuelling speculation about their potential permanent departure from Stamford Bridge. Enzo Maresca, the coach, has omitted some key players from the squad, sparking uncertainty about their future.
Lukaku, who was signed for a record-breaking £97.5m, is expected to leave after spending two seasons on loan. Chalobah, who came through the club’s academy, is also not included and could be on his way out. Arrizabalaga, who was signed for £71m, is likely to leave this summer, with Chelsea reportedly pursuing Villarreal’s Filip Jorgensen as a replacement. The surprise exclusion of Chalobah, who has been preferred by other clubs, suggests that Chelsea may be willing to let him go. David Datro Fofana, who spent last season on loan, has also been left out after making only four appearances for the club. Malang Sarr, who joined as a free agent, has not featured for the Blues since 2021 and could also be on the chopping block.
Lukaku, Chalobah, Arrizabalaga, Fofana and Casadei, who were all signed for a combined £190m, could potentially be sold at a loss. The majority of the other players not included in the squad are from Chelsea’s youth ranks. Omari Kellyman and Caleb Wiley, who joined this summer, are not included due to injury and Olympic commitments respectively.
Players such as Adarabioyo, Dewsbury-Hall, Vega and Guiu, who were recently signed, may make their debuts during the tour. Fans expressed disappointment over Chalobah’s exclusion and the treatment of academy players by the club.
