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Let’s not read too much into Chelsea’s pre-season squad

By Ajitesh Rasgotra

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 18: Antonio Conte, Manager of Chelsea looks on during The Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at Molineux on February 18, 2017 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 18: Antonio Conte, Manager of Chelsea looks on during The Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at Molineux on February 18, 2017 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea announced their pre-season squad on Tuesday for their tour of the Far East. Let’s not jump to any conclusions based on who’s going.

With Chelsea’s opening tour fixture looming, the Blues jetted out to China to get their preparations underway. As a result, a travelling squad has been announced with a few interesting names included. Let’s not jump to any conclusions, though.

This is the squad, as per the official club website:

Goalkeepers

Thibaut Courtois
Willy Caballero
Eduardo
Marcin Bulka

Defenders

Cesar Azpilicueta
Gary Cahill
David Luiz
Andreas Christensen
Tomas Kalas
Jake Clarke-Salter
Fikayo Tomori
Marcos Alonso
Victor Moses

Midfielders

Cesc Fabregas
N’Golo Kante
Mario Pasalic
Lewis Baker
Kyle Scott
Pedro
Willian
Kenedy
Charly Musonda Jr
Jeremie Boga

Forwards

Michy Batshuayi
Loic Remy

In defence, Antonio Rudiger will join up with the squad later. Out of the youngsters included, Andreas Christensen is probably the only one who has a chance of featuring next season. The Dane has seriously impressed while on loan with Borussia Monchengladbach and Antonio Conte may consider him for a rotation slot next term.

Jake Clarke-Salter has just signed a new deal, but he will in all likelihood be sent on loan. He’s not quite ready for elite Premier League and Champions League football. The same can be said of Fikayo Tomori. Tomas Kalas, meanwhile, may find his way out on a permanent deal whether it be to Fulham or elsewhere.

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For those unaware, Kyle Scott is a 19-year-old midfielder who featured regularly for the Development Squad last season. He, along with Lewis Baker and Mario Pasalic, will be auditioning for loan moves as opposed to roles in the senior squad.

Charly Musonda, though, may feel differently. With interest from the likes of Celtic, he could view this as an opportunity to prove his worth to Conte while also attracting the attention of other decent clubs.

The highly-touted Jeremie Boga will think similarly. A decent spell with Granada in La Liga last season gave him a taste of top flight football. He will be hoping to catch the eye of reputable clubs while in the Far East.

Up front, Chelsea only take Loic Remy and Michy Batshuayi. This says nothing about their roles with the club. Remy is expected to leave permanently by the end of August. Batshuayi may find himself as the sole striker once the campaign kicks off, but will likely be sidelined when Chelsea finally sign a marquee front man.

Next: Jurgen Klopp fires shots at Chelsea over Mohamed Salah

With all the fresh faces in the pre-season squad, Chelsea fans should not get too excited about the prospects of a youth revolution. Touring squads are traditionally large, with youngsters given the opportunity to run out alongside some senior players. However, this rarely translates to the actual Premier League roster, so don’t get your hopes up.

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