Xabi Alonso's Chelsea Era Starts: 12 Players Return for Pre-Season

Xabi Alonso's New Era Begins: 12 Chelsea Stars Report for Pre-Season as Injury Boost Delights New Boss

The Spaniard's first day at Cobham saw a strong core of senior players return for duty, including Cole Palmer and a recovering Brazilian wonderkid.

A New Chapter at Cobham

Xabi Alonso officially began his tenure as Chelsea manager on Thursday as 12 first-team players reported for the first day of pre-season training at the club's Cobham headquarters .

The Spanish tactician, who signed a four-year deal to take over at Stamford Bridge, was able to get his first look at a significant portion of his squad ahead of the upcoming campaign . With several key stars still away at the World Cup, the session represented a crucial opportunity for Alonso to begin imprinting his philosophy onto the core group available to him.

The Blues are aiming to bounce back from a disappointing 10th-place finish in the Premier League last season . Alonso, who famously led Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title in 2024, is viewed by many as the ideal candidate to lead a tactical revolution at the club .

Welcome Boost for the Spaniard

Among the most encouraging sights for Alonso was the return of Brazilian winger Estevao Willian . The teenager had been a major doubt for the start of pre-season after suffering a severe grade four hamstring injury in April that ruled him out of the World Cup . His presence at Cobham indicates his rehabilitation is progressing well .

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The squad pictured arriving for the first session included key figures considered central to Chelsea's long-term plans . Alongside Estevao were Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, Levi Colwill, and Josh Acheampong—all of whom are understood to be considered untouchable at the club this summer .

Palmer's return is particularly significant. The attacking midfielder was a high-profile omission from Thomas Tuchel's England World Cup squad following an injury-hit season . Reflecting on the snub, Palmer told The Times: "Every player that plays football wants to be at the World Cup, but it's a decision that I cannot change... I know what I could have offered, you know — something different to what the manager has picked" . Now, he seems determined to use the summer to rebuild his fitness and prove his value to the new boss.

The Full List of Returnees

Alonso was also able to welcome established stars such as Robert Sanchez, Jamie Gittens, Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana, and Dario Essugo . New signing Emmanuel Emegha, who arrived from sister club Strasbourg, was also spotted turning up for his first session .

The Absentees

The first day was not a full house. Alonso was forced to begin preparations without several key figures who are still competing in the latter stages of the World Cup .

Reece James, the club captain, and Trevoh Chalobah were notable absentees. James was ruled out of England's recent victory over Mexico due to injury and is being closely monitored by the medical staff . Meanwhile, Enzo Fernandez is aiming for back-to-back World Cups with Argentina, Malo Gusto is with France, and goalkeeper Mike Penders is part of Belgium's squad .

Looking Ahead

Before jetting off to Sydney for the first leg of their pre-season tour, Alonso will have a few more days to work with the returning players at Cobham . Chelsea's first friendly is scheduled against Western Sydney Wanderers on July 28 . They will open their Premier League campaign with a trip across London to face Fulham on August 24 .

With no European football to distract them this season, the Blues will be hoping for a full focus on domestic success . The return of a healthy Estevao and the determination of Palmer could be key factors in Alonso's bid to restore Chelsea to the top of English football.