Chelsea Manager Xabi Alonso Provides Injury Update on Palmer and Colwill Ahead of AC Milan Clash
Traveloasisspot.com – Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has offered reassurance regarding the fitness of two key squad members as the club prepares for the upcoming Premier League campaign. The Spanish coach confirmed that Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill are recovering from minor discomforts rather than serious injuries, with both players expected to be available for Saturday’s fixture against AC Milan at Indonesia’s Madya Stadium.
The update comes after the pair were notably absent from Chelsea’s matchday squad for Wednesday’s pre-season encounter with Juventus, a game the Blues lost 1-0. Alonso, mindful of the three-week window before the Premier League season begins, opted to rest both players rather than risk aggravating their conditions during the friendly.
Palmer’s Contact Injury Clarified
Regarding Cole Palmer’s condition, Alonso was keen to dispel any concerns about a recurrence of the groin problem that troubled the attacking midfielder throughout last season. The manager emphasized that Palmer’s current issue stems from a direct contact incident during Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in Sydney last week.
“No, it’s a whack, a contact injury that he had against Spurs. So it’s not that,” Alonso explained to reporters.
Palmer and Colwill both featured for 80 minutes against the London rivals in Australia before Palmer opted to train separately from the main group during Tuesday’s session in Hong Kong. The attacking midfielder’s availability for the AC Milan match represents positive news for Alonso, who views Palmer as a crucial component of his plans for the new season.
Colwill’s Return from ACL Setback
Levi Colwill’s situation has been particularly noteworthy given his extended absence from competitive football. The defender spent the majority of the 2025-26 campaign sidelined following an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained during pre-season preparations. His recent return to full fitness has been closely monitored by the medical staff.
“Yes, they had a few, not injuries, discomforts,” Alonso told the press. “Cole with a whack and Levi as well, so no point to take today’s risk and hopefully they will be fine for Saturday.”
Colwill’s absence from Wednesday’s training session in Hong Kong aligned with Alonso’s cautious approach. The manager’s decision to leave both players out of the matchday squad for the Juventus fixture demonstrates his willingness to prioritize long-term availability over short-term gains in pre-season friendlies.
Juventus Victory and Other Chelsea News
Edon Zhegrova’s second-half strike proved sufficient to secure victory for Juventus, marking the Blues’ second consecutive pre-season defeat. The match also provided opportunities for other squad members, with Danny Welbeck making his debut appearance following his transfer from Brighton and Mykhailo Mudryk returning from the bench for eight minutes of action.
The Hong Kong tour has served as an important preparation phase for Chelsea, allowing Alonso to assess his squad while managing player workload. With the Premier League season approaching, the manager’s emphasis on protecting key players from unnecessary risks has been evident throughout the pre-season campaign.
Looking Ahead to AC Milan
Saturday’s encounter with AC Milan represents Chelsea’s next opportunity to test their preparations before the competitive season begins. If Palmer and Colwill recover as anticipated, both players could feature prominently in Alonso’s plans for the fixture. The manager’s comments suggest confidence that the minor discomforts affecting his squad will not hinder their performance against the Italian side.
The timing of the update proves strategic, providing supporters and media with clarity ahead of the weekend’s action. Alonso’s cautious approach to player management during pre-season reflects his commitment to ensuring his squad is at peak fitness when the Premier League campaign commences in three weeks’ time.
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