Chelsea has made the surprising decision to leave academy graduate Trevoh Chalobah out of their pre-season squad for the tour of the United States.
Despite being placed on the transfer market for the past year due to the potential profit his sale could generate, the 25-year-old Chalobah remained dedicated to the club. He demonstrated his commitment with an outstanding run of form towards the end of last season after recovering from a long-term injury.
However, despite his contributions and popularity among fans, Chalobah was not included in Enzo Maresca’s 28-player squad for the tour.
Chelsea currently has a well-stocked roster of center-backs. The squad includes new signing Tosin Adarabioyo, alongside Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, and Axel Disasi. With such depth in the position, the decision was made to leave Chalobah behind, signaling that the versatile defender is no longer in the club’s plans.
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The decision has been met with widespread criticism from Chelsea fans, who see it as a disrespectful move towards a loyal player. Chalobah, who signed a six-year contract as recently as November 2022, has always been vocal about his desire to fight for his place at Chelsea. He never seriously considered leaving while former manager Mauricio Pochettino included him in the starting lineup.
According to The Guardian, Chalobah now perceives his exclusion from the pre-season squad as a clear push to force him out of the club. As a result, he is prepared to explore all available options for his future.
Additionally, goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic is another notable absentee. Despite rumors of a potential departure, reports indicate that his omission is due to injury. Meanwhile, players like Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, and Moises Caicedo are on holiday following international duty.
