Chelsea’s 23-man traveling squad have arrived in Germany tonight, ahead of the final preseason friendly against Werder Bremen tomorrow (Sunday).
Unlike previous traveling squads for the Austria training camp and the very large squad (30+) traveling on the USA Tour, this one is probably highly indicative of the final first-team squad for the start of the Premier League season (barring any major transfer activity in the next week).
GOALKEEPERS: Thibaut Courtois, Asmir Begovic, Jamal Blackman
DEFENDERS: Branislav Ivanovic, John Terry, Cesar Azpilicueta, Gary Cahill, Michael Hector, Ola Aina
MIDFIELDERS: N’Golo Kante, Nemanja Matic, Cesc Fabregas, Oscar, Eden Hazard, Willian, Nathaniel Chalobah, Pedro, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Juan Cuadrado, Victor Moses
STRIKERS: Diego Costa, Michy Batshuayi, Bertrand Traore
-source: Chelsea FC
A couple notable inclusions in the squad are Michael Hector, who’s barely featured in preseason so far, and the three hopes of Chelsea Academy nation, Chalobah, Loftus-Cheek, and Aina. Loan returness Cuadrado and Moses are there as well.
Even more notable are the players who have not traveled, including veteran Loic Remy, the generally impressive Kenedy (one of the few bright spots of last season), and the young American, Matt Miazga. The latter two will probably hit the loan trail, while Remy will most likely look for a permanent move.
