Colwill, Lavia, Palmer: Latest Chelsea Fitness News As Xabi Alonso Reveals 'Block' | OneFootball

Alonso is set to make changes against Johor Darul Ta'zim for their final pre-season match in Asia. Video Credit: Absolute Chelsea

Chelsea are coming to the end of their pre-season tour of Australia and Asia, which has seen the players build up their minutes and match sharpness over the last few weeks.

Over the last couple of seasons, Chelsea have struggled with injury problems, but have managed to avoid any major problems whilst on tour with new manager Xabi Alonso.

Several players have been left out of matches as precautions, with Chelsea not wanting to take any risks.

Robert Sanchez and Romeo Lavia have missed a game each, while Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill sat out the Juventus defeat in Hong Kong. Colwill also missed the AC Milan victory despite training ahead of the match in Indonesia.

As Chelsea head to Malaysia to conclude their overseas tour against Malaysian Super League side Johor Darul Ta'zim on Sunday, here are the latest updates on Colwill, Lavia and Palmer.

The 23-year-old has now missed consecutive matches on Chelsea's tour against Juventus and AC Milan.

After the Juventus defeat, Alonso insisted Colwill and Palmer didn't have injuries, but rather discomforts instead and was hoping they would be back in time to face Milan.

For Colwill, the England international was absent again. The positive news is that the centre-back was involved in team training in the build-up to the 3-0 win, which will alleviate any potential concern.

Alonso hasn't offered an update since, and all eyes will be on the Spaniard to see if he selects the defender as part of his squad to face Johor Darul Ta'zim, or if he will not be risked ahead of returning to England for their final pre-season game against Real Sociedad on August 15.

The 22-year-old overcame a huge hurdle on Saturday against AC Milan. Lavia played only his second 90 minutes since joining the club back in the summer of 2023 - an astonishing, albeit unfortunate, record due to injuries.

However, Lavia pushed through to complete the full 90 against the Rossoneri, and Alonso expressed his delight at ensuring the Belgian was 'exhausted' at full-time.

It has been a long time coming for Lavia to complete a match. REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan

“Very happy for him, because he has a (mental) block," admitted the Chelsea boss. "He was tired, but I said, 'Let him play, let him play, let him enjoy the 90 minutes and that he finishes exhausted'. I think that he is really happy."

Like Colwill, Palmer was absent against Juventus. But the 24-year-old completed 85 minutes before being substituted for Estevao Willian against AC Milan.

Although Palmer was unable to register a goal or assist, Chelsea will be pleased he managed to get through the match without issue.

He will now be rested for Sunday's match against Johor Darul Ta'zim, with his next appearance coming against Real Sociedad.

Alonso has confirmed that the squad will be rotated for Sunday's match to manage workloads and avoid unnecessary risks.

"The idea for (Sunday) was already done yesterday," added Alonso. "The idea was that many young players were coming to have chances to play tomorrow, because if not, we would have been short. To play two games in two days is quite intense."