Big summer signings Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson have been named in Chelsea's 29-man squad for their US tour, including the Premier League Summer Series, but Reece James hasn't travelled due to illness.
Fellow new arrival Angelo Gabriel is also included by head coach Mauricio Pochettino while January signings Andrey Santos and Malo Gusto are in line to make their first appearances for the club after returning from loan spells at Vasco de Gama and Lyon respectively.
We’re on our way! 🇺🇸#BluesInTheUSA
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 17, 2023
James reported feeling unwell on Monday morning and has not travelled as a precaution, but he will join up with the squad when fully recovered.
Wesley Fofana hasn't travelled due to a knee injury, which is currently being assessed. Marcus Bettinelli, Benoit Badiashile and Armando Broja are also unavailable as they continue their respective recoveries from injury.
Forwards Romelu Lukaku and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who have both been linked with moves away from the club, are also absent from the squad.
Chelsea's first match of the tour is against League Two side Wrexham, owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, on Wednesday in North Carolina.
The Blues then begin the Premier League Summer Series against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday in Philadelphia.
Further Summer Series fixtures versus Newcastle United and Fulham follow before ending the tour against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday 2 August in Chicago.
Chelsea squad
Goalkeepers: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Gabriel Slonina, Lucas Bergstrom, Eddie Beach, Jamie Cumming
Defenders: Thiago Silva, Trevoh Chalobah, Ben Chilwell, Marc Cucurella, Malo Gusto, Bashir Humphreys, Levi Colwill, Ian Maatsen, Alfie Gilchrist
Midfielders: Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher, Carney Chukwuemeka, Andrey Santos, Cesare Casadei, Lewis Hall
Forwards: Mykhailo Mudryk, Raheem Sterling, Noni Madueke, Angelo Gabriel, Diego Moreira, Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Mason Burstow, Dujuan Richards (training only)
Fixtures
19 July v Wrexham (North Carolina)
PL Summer Series
22 July v Brighton (Philadelphia)
26 July v Newcastle (Atlanta)
30 July v Fulham (Landoover)
2 August v Dortmund (Chicago)
