"They Have To Be Ready" - Xabi Alonso Fires Warning To Chelsea's World Cup Stars | OneFootball

Chelsea's pre-season preparations have begun in Australia, but they are without several key players due to the World Cup. Video Credit: Absolute Chelsea

Xabi Alonso has issued a warning to his Chelsea stars who are currently on holiday following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.

Chelsea are currently in Sydney, Australia, for pre-season as they prepare to face Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday at Accor Stadium.

A 28-man squad flew out to New South Wales, but it saw key names omitted due to them not reporting back for pre-season duty yet.

Mike Penders, Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Malo Gusto, Moises Caicedo, Morgan Rogers, Enzo Fernandez and Pedro Neto are on their three-week breaks, having got into the knockout stages of the World Cup.

They will gradually join the Chelsea squad, wherever that may be, with Alonso's side heading to Asia after Australia, then back to London for one final pre-season game against Real Sociedad on August 15.

With Chelsea's first pre-season game on Tuesday, which is available to watch for free, Alonso fronted the media and was quizzed on those who are not currently with the squad.

James, Chalobah, Gusto, and Rogers will be the final players to return after reaching the bronze medal match. Fernandez played in the final a day later, on July 19, with Argentina, which ended in defeat against Spain.

The 24-year-old has become the club's record signing and is set to play a crucial role in Chelsea's attack, alongside Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro.

However, one hurdle they will need to overcome is fitness. They will need to get back up to speed and build the match sharpness to ensure they are ready for their Premier League opener on August 24 against Fulham.

But Alonso is giving them little time to get back up to speed. As he prepares to embark on his first season in charge, he has sent a warning to those yet to return.

When asked whether Rogers will be fit and ready for the start of the season, Alonso replied: "Yes. All the ones who come later, because they reached the final stages of the World Cup, they will be ready. We have a few of them, so they have to be ready."

Rogers in action for England against France at the 2026 World Cup. REUTERS/Paul Childs

Chelsea are still looking to bring more players in this summer, with the signing of centre-back Maxence Lacroix imminent after a £52m agreement was reached with Crystal Palace.

Incomings will require outgoings, and Alonso is preparing himself for changes in the squad over the coming weeks, including Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile, who were not included in the squad for the pre-season tour and are likely to depart.

"We need to know that probably there will still be some movements," added the Chelsea boss.

"We need to be flexible and quick to act. The main thing is that we have a clear idea, a clear plan that we have built. Probably it will change until the last day of the market being open."

For now, Alonso will work with those at his disposal. But the plan is clear across the club, from Alonso to the hierarchy. Full focus is now on getting the squad ready for the new season.