Reece James out of England's next two with hamstring injury
Your captain is injured again. Thomas Tuchel confirmed Reece James will miss at least two World Cup games with a minor hamstring issue (1) (2) (7). "He was not able to train in the last two days," Tuchel said (1). James is a major doubt for the Panama match on Saturday (9).
Chelsea fans know this script too well. James missed large chunks of last season and now faces another spell on the sidelines just as the new campaign approaches.
Real Madrid lining up €100m-plus move for Enzo Fernández
Real Madrid are preparing an offer north of €100 million for Enzo Fernández (3). José Mourinho reportedly wants the Argentine midfielder at the Bernabéu, and Florentino Pérez had campaigned on signing a superstar for around €150 million (3). Chelsea will point to that statement when negotiating: you know the money is there.
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Maxence Lacroix talks advancing
Chelsea and Crystal Palace continued talks on Friday over centre-back Maxence Lacroix, and the deal is moving forward (5) (6). Fabrizio Romano reports other clubs are interested but Lacroix is drawn to the Chelsea project (8). This would be the first major defensive signing of the Xabi Alonso era.
Malo Gusto could follow Maresca to City
Enzo Maresca wants to reunite with Malo Gusto at Manchester City (10). The connection between player and former manager is real, and Chelsea are already tracking Atalanta's Marco Palestra as a potential replacement at right-back (10). Gusto made 33 appearances last season and would leave a gap.
Xabi Alonso wants a PSG starter
Xabi Alonso has identified a key PSG first-team player as a priority target for his Chelsea rebuild (11). No name yet, but the request is on the table. Expect more details as Alonso's appointment is finalised.
Palmer on England: "If I've got nothing else to do"
Cole Palmer was left out of England's World Cup squad and he is not hiding his feelings. "If I've got nothing else to do, then I watch the England games," Palmer said (4). That is a player who feels he should be in Germany right now.
Fan reactions
Chelsea supporters are cautiously optimistic about the Lacroix pursuit, with many noting the club is finally addressing the defence after a season that shipped too many goals. The Enzo Fernández rumours have fans split between cashing in for a huge fee and worrying about losing midfield quality so close to a new season. More discussion here
