Chelsea handed triple injury boost as Xabi Alonso starts pre-season

Chelsea received a triple injury boost as Xabi Alonso took charge of his first pre-season training session at Cobham on Thursday.

A total of 18 players reported for the opening day of summer preparations, with Estevao, Jamie Gittens and Romeo Lavia all back on the pitch after ending last season with injury problems.

Two new signings also joined the group as Alonso began working with his squad in difficult conditions during the ongoing heatwave.

The biggest positive for Chelsea was the return of three first-team players who finished last season in the treatment room.

Estevao, Gittens and Lavia were all pictured taking part in demanding running drills at the club’s Surrey training base.

Their involvement should ease some early fitness concerns for Alonso as he begins assessing his options ahead of the new campaign.

Lavia’s availability will be particularly important after his previous injury problems, while Estevao and Gittens will hope to quickly build their fitness during pre-season.

Summer arrivals Emmanuel Emegha and Geovany Quenda were also involved in their first pre-season session.

The pair were joined by several academy prospects, including Reggie Walsh, Ryan Kavuma-McQueen and Landon Emenalo, who now have an early opportunity to impress Alonso.

Highly-rated Kazakhstan youngster Dastan Satpaev was also reportedly present.

Cole Palmer, Wesley Fofana and Joao Pedro were among the established first-team players involved after missing the World Cup.

Not every available player reported to Cobham.

Marco Palestra was absent despite joining Chelsea a week ago, while Alejandro Garnacho was also not present.

Marc Guiu instead posted pictures of himself working with a personal trainer in Spain. Mykhailo Mudryk remains suspended following a doping violation and was not involved.

Andrey Santos was another notable absentee as he closes in on a transfer to Manchester United.

Goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, however, surprisingly took part after submitting a transfer request in May.

Several Chelsea players remain unavailable because of the World Cup. Mike Penders, Malo Gusto, Enzo Fernandez, Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah are still involved in the tournament, while recently eliminated players including Moises Caicedo, Pedro Neto, Jorrel Hato and Nicolas Jackson have not yet returned.

Alonso will continue assessing his available squad before more players return from World Cup duty.

The fitness of Estevao, Gittens and Lavia will be closely monitored as Chelsea increase the intensity of their preparations. The coming weeks should also provide more clarity over the futures of players including Jorgensen and Santos.

Which Chelsea player has the most to prove during Xabi Alonso’s first pre-season?