Sterling stands out
It was on Wednesday morning – U.S time – that Raheem Sterling was officially announced as a Chelsea player. And he has been put straight to work by Thomas Tuchel and his coaching team.
"He is on an individual programme, he didn't join the team because some of the team are two weeks ahead of him with training sessions, double training sessions, and there are intense training sessions ahead of him," the Blues head coach explained. "I have a feeling that he is absolutely happy to be here. It's a new chapter for him and I feel he is ready to fulfil this chapter in his career."
When asked by football.london if Tuchel felt Sterling was ready to feature against Club America in tomorrow's first pre-season friendly, he added: "We have not decided the line-up but he did not train every minute with the team so it is not very likely that he will play."
READ MORE: Every word Thomas Tuchel said on Raheem Sterling start, Armando Broja injury, Cristiano Ronaldo
If Sterling does not take to the field against Club America, there will be plenty of supporters disappointed, especially as those who attended the open training session at Allegiant Stadium will testify that the England international looked sharp throughout the hour-long session.
After going through the usual early workout routine, stretches, rondos and possession drills, Chelsea's players did quick three-vs-twos and Sterling produced a number of composed finishes, usually beyond the unfortunate Marcus Bettinelli, who was peppered by a range of shots from Chelsea's players.
Fans given what they want
On many occasions, open training sessions are nothing more than glorified stretching exercises. Yet Tuchel and his staff made sure those who attended last night's offering got to see some high-intensity work down by the Chelsea players. And what's more, they did so at close quarters.
The possession drills took place right in front of the supporters in attendance, who were enthusiastic throughout and enjoyed interacting with the players when a spare moment presented itself. One player got a bigger cheer than others, however: Christian Pulisic.
It's been a surprisingly quiet tour thus far for the winger, but that is likely to change in the coming week as Chelsea's schedule steps up with matches against Club America, Charlotte FC and Arsenal in Orlando. There will be hope, maybe even expectation, that Pulisic delivers key moments in those matches, something he tends to do when on U.S. soil.
Broja and Colwill absent
Prior to Chelsea flying out to Las Vegas, it was clear Armando Broja would take no part in the session at Allegiant Stadium after the striker was pictured wearing a protective boot on his left foot during Chelsea's final training session at the UCLA campus in Los Angeles.
"He had a little accident yesterday (Thursday) in training with the ball control and landed in a funny way on his ankle and Achilles," Tuchel explained at his pre-match press conference when asked by football.london. "He is in pain but nothing is injured – we did the examinations and it's just pain.
"He is lucky that he did not get injured. We are lucky and happy that he did not injure himself. He is not in training and he is having treatment."
Broja is not expected to feature against Club America as a result of his injury and another academy graduate may also miss out on a rare chance to catch Tuchel's eye. Levi Colwill was the only other absentee for last night's training session, although it is not clear yet as to why.
The 19-year-old hopes to force his way into Tuchel's thinking ahead of the 2022/23 campaign; no easy feat given Chelsea completed the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly this morning and remain in pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Presnel Kimpembe. However, the Blues head coach says every players has the chance to catch his eye.
"I think all the players that come from loan or different situations and want to make a statement here, they are more than invited and supported. We are open, but they are well aware the task is very high because the group is competitive and the group is strong.
"And still, I feel everyone is proud to be back, proud to be in the Chelsea squad, and from there they are responsible for their own career and they have our support."
Kovacic works alone
Over the course of the 2021/22 campaign, Mateo Kovacic proved himself one of Chelsea's most influential players and their first-choice midfielder ahead of N'Golo Kante and Jorginho. He will be hoping to maintain that momentum and form this term.
The Croatia international was with the group that trained last night but after the early warm-up, he stepped aside and did running drills alone along the width and breadth of the pitch. No injury was mentioned by Tuchel in his pre-match press conference, but Kovacic must have been nursing a minor knock given he didn't partake in any drills with his teammates.
That could allow either Conor Gallagher or Billy Gilmour to start against Club America in Saturday's friendly. Both the academy graduates have returned from loans this summer and will want to lay down a marker as they bid to nail down a place in Tuchel's squad.
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