Chelsea Hold In-House Match Prior To US Pre-Season Tour

Chelsea have held an in-house match ahead of their pre-season tour of the United States this summer.

The Blues are set to depart for North America on Saturday as they prepare to face Club America, Charlotte FC and Arsenal on their tour before facing Udinese in pre-season later on in Italy.

The players who did not feature for their national teams returned to training last weekend and have already played the first match of pre-season, it has been confirmed.

Chelsea’s official website revealed that an in-house match was played on Friday morning.

A number of players within the Chelsea squad, as well as youth players, were handed the chance to impress in front of Thomas Tuchel.

Chelsea players during an in-house friendly. (Chelsea FC)

Trevoh Chalobah, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ross Barkley and Hakim Ziyech were among the senior players to feature.

Returning loanees such as Tino Anjorin, Mason Burstow, Ian Maatsen and Dujon Sterling featured alongside youngsters Lewis Hall and Charlie Webster.

The match was made up of two 20 minute halves as the Blues stepped up their fitness regime ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Returning from injuries, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ben Chilwell featured, which is good news ahead of the new season.

Chilwell netted early in the game with a low effort into the far corner following a smart bit of play from Loftus-Cheek in the build-up.

Ziyech also impressed, grabbing two goals and registering an assist. His most impressive goal was a volley set-up by Barkley as the Moroccan fired into the back of the net.

While the final score was not reported, at least three goals were scored in the 40 minute match.

The rest of the squad, including those who played post-season matches for their national teams, will return ahead of the pre-season tour.

Tuchel will be hoping to have a couple of new faces in the building as they jet off to America, also.

Nathan Ake in Manchester City training with Chelsea-bound Raheem Sterling. (Alamy)

Manchester City’s Nathan Ake has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Blues ahead of a potential return to Stamford Bridge. 

The Blues are also on the verge of completing a move for Raheem Sterling after agreeing personal terms with the winger, who could complete his move soon.

It remains to be seen as to whether the deals will be done before Tuchel’s side jet off on their pre-season tour, with it previously thought that the German was keen to bring in two players before the weekend as Ake and Sterling look to be the closest to joining the club.