Chelsea announces 27-man squad for Australia and Asia pre-season tour

Chelsea FC has confirmed a 27‑player travelling party for its 2026‑27 pre‑season tour across Australia and Asia. The squad, selected by new manager Xabi Alonso, blends established first‑team regulars with academy graduates and recent signings such as defender Marco Palestra and Kazakh forward Dastan Satpayev.

The itinerary begins on 28 July with a match against Western Sydney Wanderers at Sydney’s Accor Stadium, followed by a game versus Tottenham Hotspur on 1 August. The tour continues to Hong Kong for a fixture against Juventus on 5 August, then to Jakarta for a clash with AC Milan on 8 August, and concludes in Malaysia against Johor Darul Ta’zim on 9 August.

Two new signings are absent: striker Emanuel Emegha, ruled out of the Australian leg after a hamstring injury in a behind‑closed‑doors friendly, and winger Geovany Quenda, sidelined by a minor fitness issue. Both could join later stages of the tour. The tour is intended to assess the squad, implement Alonso’s tactical ideas, build fitness and expand Chelsea’s commercial presence in key overseas markets.