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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Nizaar Kinsella

Levi Colwill cements Chelsea starting place as Mauricio Pochettino deals with attacking concerns

Chelsea ended their pre-season tour of the United States with a draw against Borussia Dortmund but it was marred by Christopher Nkunku’s injury.

The 25-year-old started in a strong lineup but was forced to withdraw after a knee issue.

Mauricio Pochettino played what will surely be his team to face Liverpool on the opening day of the Premier League season.

He will have been happy with the performance as Marius Wolf and Chelsea academy striker Mason Burstow got the goals in the 1-1 draw in Chicago.

Nizaar Kinsella was at Soldier Field watching Chelsea’s final warm-up match before the season begins in 10 days.

Christopher Nkunku’s injury

Blow: Nkunku may now be a doubt to face Liverpool in Chelsea’s Premier League opener (USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con)

The France international came off injured in the 22nd minute after a brilliant and creative spell on the left wing. Chelsea’s physiotherapists immediately attached an ice pack to his knee.

Chelsea suffered a dip following his withdrawal highlighting how important he is already having scored three goals in 268 minutes across pre-season.

Pop superstar Ed Sheeran played at the stadium over the weekend and fans were allowed on the pitch to watch his music.

They seem to have damaged the Soldier Field pitch, leading to poor playing conditions and arguably an important injury.

Colwill excels after his renewal

Colwill is going from strength to strength at Chelsea (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

The 20-year-old put in a sensational display which included front-footed defending, wonderful positioning and expansive passing.

Having signed a six-year deal with an option for a further season, the England Under-21 defender played with huge confidence in Chicago.

He will now almost certainly start against Liverpool after striking up a good partnership with Thiago Silva.

Raheem Sterling’s underwhelming pre-season

Sterling has not convinced during pre-season (USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con)

Sterling didn’t get a goal or assist in any of Chelsea’s five pre-season matches. The England international has been underwhelming when a host of his colleagues have shone.

He will likely still start against Liverpool in 10 days, especially after Nkunku’s injury, but the pressure is on to raise his level in the first weeks of the season.

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