As always, Chelsea's line-up for the pre-season clash against Udinese seems to have caused a major fan meltdown on social media.
All of Armando Broja, Conor Gallagher, Christian Pulisic, Ben Chilwell, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Hakim Ziyech, Malang Sarr, Trevoh Chalobah and Ethan Ampadu have been totally left out of the squad to face Udinese on Friday evening. This is despite all nine players being listed by the club officially in the travelling cohort of players to make the trip out to Italy for the final leg of the pre-season tour.
The likes of Michy Batshuayi and Ross Barkley's exclusions from the travelling squad hint at something more substantial going on behind the scenes amid strong Everton transfer rumours. But for the nine aforementioned Chelsea players, their exclusion from the 17-man squad that will take to the Dacia Arena's pitch isn't something to be feared.
READ MORE: Confirmed Chelsea side vs Udinese: Koulibaly, Kante and Sterling start, no Broja in the squad
Initially, the reaction on social media, especially to the likes of Broja and Ampadu being left out, was one of pure fear as both players have been linked to various transfer exits this summer. However, all is not be feared as plans for another surprise pre-season game is the main reason for the absences.
football.london's Chelsea correspondent Adam Newson clarified: "Strong starting XI. No Ben Chilwell, Mateo Kovacic, Conor Gallagher or Armando Broja in the squad. Imagine they'll feature tomorrow."
The game on Saturday, July 30 against the same opponent is to be streamed on Udinese's in-house TV channel (Udinese TV) and also expected to be available on Chelsea's 5th Stand app. A much changed line-up is expected to include the eight absentees, with the game kicking-off at 12pm (BST).
Follow live match coverage of Udinese vs Chelsea here.
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