Chelsea cancel pre-season tour, opt for scaled-back plans

Chelsea have confirmed their new pre-season plans following their exploits at the just concluded Club World Cup in the United States of America.

The London club defied all odds to beat PSG in the new Club World Cup format eight days ago but new adjustment has been made to their pre-season. Chelsea have revealed they will play Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan on August 8 and 10, respectively, as part of the VisitMalta Weekender friendly tournament at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea players celebrate after beating Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final. (Photo by Kyodo News via Getty Images)

As a result, they won’t be going on a pre-season tour this year.

A post on Chelsea’s website reads: “Having spent much of June and July in the USA competing in our glorious FIFA Club World Cup campaign, we will be staying close to home for pre-season this year. As well as training at Cobham, Chelsea will be hosting the 2025 VisitMalta Weekender friendly tournament at Stamford Bridge.”

Chelsea’s players are potentially at risk of burning out after a long season that was topped off by a lengthy Club World Cup campaign in the United States.

The club decision to cancel pre-season tour will help the squad get the necessary amount of rest ahead of next season. Chelsea will compete on multiple fronts next term, including in the Champions League.

Other Premier League teams are already back in pre-season, however, Chelsea will have to play catch-up.

After these upcoming warm-up fixtures, Enzo Maresca’s side begin their league campaign at home to London neighbours and FA Cup holders Crystal Palace on August 17.