Enzo Maresca is currently engaged in the preparations for Chelsea’s upcoming pre-season tour of America. Following an arduous two-week training period at Cobham, the majority of his squad is poised for the initial friendly encounter of the summer against newly promoted League One team, Wrexham, scheduled to take place on July 25. Notably, Chelsea emerged victorious in their previous encounter against Wrexham, securing a resounding 5-0 win, and eagerly anticipate another successful tour in the United States.
Maresca is confronted with pivotal decisions pertaining to the head coach, the squad, and the club as a whole. This period presents a plethora of opportunities to be seized and much to prove. Among his primary obligations is the task of assembling the touring party for the imminent pre-season fixtures.
The absence of key players such as Marc Cucurella, Conor Gallagher, and Cole Palmer, owing to their involvements in Euro 2024, presents an opportunity for other members of the squad to exhibit their capabilities. Most notably, positions such as left-back and in the attack, anticipated to be occupied by Cucurella and Palmer in the forthcoming season, are up for contention.
Pressure is mounting on players like Ben Chilwell, Noni Madueke, and Mykhailo Mudryk to solidify their positions within the team. While speculation surrounds Chilwell’s potential departure and uncertainties loom over the future roles of Madueke and Mudryk, it has been reported that Raheem Sterling is content at Chelsea and aspires to contribute to the team’s accomplishments.
Likewise, there are indications that Alfie Gilchrist, Deivid Washington, and Marc Guiu are likely to depart, with the possibility of loan arrangements being explored. Furthermore, Andrey Santos, who made a notable impression last season, has the opportunity to once again display his prowess to Maresca and vie for a spot in the team.
Gallagher, whose future at Chelsea is uncertain, will need to validate his worth in the forthcoming friendly matches, as will Armando Broja and Trevoh Chalobah, who also face uncertain prospects at the club.
The upcoming weeks will prove to be critical for these players, as Maresca will be required to reach difficult decisions pertaining to the squad ahead of the commencement of the English season. Currently, the future of these seven Chelsea players remains uncertain.
On a separate note, Chelsea has recently unveiled their new Nike home kit for the 2024/25 season, which is now available for purchase without an official front-of-shirt sponsor.