We take a look at the latest batch of Chelsea training pictures as the Blues prepare for their third pre-season match against Newcastle United in Atlanta
Chelsea players were put through their paces (Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Chelsea play the third match of their pre-season campaign on Thursday morning as they take on Newcastle United at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
The Magpies will present arguably the sternest test yet for the Blues, who go into the game with back-to-back wins over Wrexham and Brighton over the past week. It has been a gruelling training camp under Mauricio Pochettino and it shows no signs of stopping anytime soon as the Argentine looks to get his new squad as fit as possible by the time Liverpool come to Stamford Bridge on August 13.
Thus far, 24 of Chelsea’s 30-man squad have been used over the course of the two pre-season matches. Pochettino will continue to try and experiment with his squad over the next two games but the final pre-season clash with Borussia Dortmund, which takes place just ten days before the Blues’ Premier League opener against Liverpool, could see something close to what the head coach believes is his strongest XI.
Against Newcastle, though, it is set to be another 90 minutes worth of experiments as Pochettino tries to discover more about his new set of players. The Blues were put through on Monday as they prepare for the test of Eddie Howe’s side, who they drew 1-1 with on the final day of the 2022/23 Premier League season. So, with that being said, football.london takes a look at five things we spotted from the training pictures released by the club.
James chat with Pochettino
Reece James recently landed in the United States to join up with his Chelsea teammates for the rest of the pre-season camp. The England international did not travel with the squad initially as a precaution but landed in Philadelphia on Friday ahead of the Brighton game, but did not take any part against the Seagulls.
James was snapped having a conversation with Pochettino in training ahead of the match against Newcastle. The Cobham graduate is set to be in contention to play some minutes against the Magpies as he looks to return to full fitness ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
Mauricio Pochettino and Reece James talk during training (Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
READ MORE: Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All of the latest updates coming out of Stamford Bridge
Chelsea players put through their paces
As mentioned above, it has been a really gruelling fitness camp for the Chelsea squad. And they were once again put through their paces on Monday, with a picture of the squad running alongside one another.
There was criticism last season that the Chelsea squad were not fit enough at times – not least from Frank Lampard. But Pochettino is eager to ensure that is not a problem this time around and from the evidence of the first two games, it looks like his methods are already paying off.
Chelsea players are put through their paces (Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Slonina working
As mentioned above, we have seen 24 players used by Pochettino thus far in the United States. One of them we have not witnessed in action yet, though, is goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina.
The American shot-stopper, who was signed from Chicago Fire in 2022, is yet to make a senior appearance for Chelsea despite being very highly rated by the club. football.london understands the 19-year-old is expected to be loaned out for the upcoming season and there is already plenty of interest in his services.
Gabriel Slonina in action during training (Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Cucurella acrobatics
Marc Cucurella impressed last time out against his former club Brighton in Philadelphia. It’s a big season coming up for the Spaniard, who had a poor debut campaign for the Blues after arriving with big expectations last summer.
However, Cucurella, who wants to stay and fight for his place at Chelsea ahead of the 2023/24 season, provided a superb assist for new signing Nicolas Jackson against Brighton. Below, he can be seen attempting an overhead kick, with his friend Jackson in the background watching on.
Marc Cucurella with some acrobatics in Chelsea training as Nicolas Jackson watches on (Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
All smiles for Colwill
Levi Colwill’s summer has had a very busy summer so far. After starring for England in their Under-21 European Championship triumph, the Blues defender then jetted off to America to tour the country with his teammates, but it has been dominated by speculation over his future. Brighton want to sign the 20-year-old on a permanent deal after a really impressive loan spell last season, while Liverpool, too, hold a keen interest.
Chelsea, however, are determined to keep hold of Colwill beyond this summer and will not entertain any offers for him. Chelsea want to open talks with Colwill, who is all smiles in the picture below in training, over extending his contract with the club, football.london understands.
All smiles for Levi Colwill in Chelsea training (Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Soucre: football.london
