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      Dewsbury-Hall cleaned N’Golo Kante’s boots as kid at Leicester – now he wants to follow in his footsteps at Chelsea

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      KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL used to clean N’Golo Kante’s boots as a kid at Leicester and now he wants to follow in his footsteps at Chelsea.The new Blues signing grew up a huge Foxes fan and made sure Kante’s Adidas boots were sparkling during their title-winning season.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall used to clean N’Golo Kante’s boots as a kid at LeicesterCredit: Instagram @kdh_8The new Blues star now wants to follow Kante’s footsteps at ChelseaCredit: GettyKante spent seven years at Stamford BridgeCredit: GettyHe was rewarded with a healthy tip from the Frenchman too – but only after a nudge from teammates.Dewsbury-Hall said: “The year Leicester won the League I was his boot boy as a scholar.”He did tip actually! I don’t think he understood the concept of it before but a few of the lads in the first team told him it was good manners or a good gesture to tip at Christmas.”He might have gone to the cashpoint that night and brought it in the next day.READ MORE ON CHELSEA”He was quite generous so I thank whoever told him that but I did a good job though…the boots were clean.”To have any similarity to his journey at Chelsea would be a major success because he is top, top tier.”Dewsbury-Hall is the latest in a long line of players to have made the move from the King Power to the King’s Road, and he aims to be much closer to Kante’s end of the spectrum than Danny Drinkwater.His success under new Blues boss Enzo Maresca at Leicester gives everyone confidence that can happen – none more so than the midfielder himself.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe 25-year-old scored 12 goals and laid on 14 assists for the Foxes last season.Despite the chaos and negativity which has beset Chelsea in recent years, the Leicester academy graduate was still desperate to make the move once the interest was clear and has already seen Maresca turn one club around.Chelsea’s top summer transfer targetsHe added: “That’s just Chelsea as the club but knowing the manager was here was a big catalyst in wanting me to come.”I knew from Leicester, a club that went down and had a lot of problems, how he managed to galvanise that if everyone manages to buy into the system.”I genuinely think in a short space of time we can be pushing for minimum top four but more than that because I can see the foundations are set, the squad is at a high level, and if it is nurtured in the right way then it could be good.”I thought it was a really good, young squad that maybe needed a little bit of guidance and hopefully now that will be there.”While Dewsbury-Hall knows how good the new boss can be, there will be plenty of Blues fans waiting to be convinced by a manager who has never worked in the Premier League.But a year ago he had never managed in English football before, and his previous squad were quickly convinced by the ex-Manchester City assistant.Players minds were blown away by some of his details around positioning and how the smallest change of stance can have a serious impact on a game.Dewsbury-Hall said: “Within the first week at Leicester, I was convinced this was top, top level.”I felt a bit stupid, I thought I knew a lot about football but he was teaching me things on a daily basis that I didn’t really know before.”Within a week we were sold, all the players were sold. I am getting the same feedback here with the lads.”Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall of Leicester takes on Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante in 2022Credit: GettyKiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Tyrique George of Chelsea during a training session at Stanford UniversityCredit: GettyChelsea, though, is a different challenge to Leicester.The pressures are higher than anything Maresca will have experienced before and the chaos under the American owners has only added to that.But it does not appear to have changed the new boss.Dewsbury-Hall added: “He has come in exactly like he was at Leicester. Confident. He’s probably a bit more confident here than when he was at Leicester.”I don’t know if that was because he has had a year under his belt and we did really well at Leicester winning the Championship.”He just feels really confident and knows exactly what he wants and needs.”He has something about him where you respect him. From the first day I saw him at Chelsea it was straight back to work, working on the philosophy of what we want to do this year.”The midfielder is also convinced Maresca will surprise fans.He added: “Definitely – 100 per cent.”Look, I don’t want to be banging on saying we’re going to be doing this or that.”He is unknown for a lot of people but I can go off working with him and say my opinions and I think he is top, top level. Hopefully, we can back that up because that would be the best thing for me and the club.”I do think he will surprise a lot of people in the way we play and the way we do things so we will see.”Maresca pushed hard to bring Dewsbury-Hall to Stamford Bridge, a sign of faith he is hoping to repay.The engaging midfielder had spent 17-years at Leicester and stressed it would have to be a good move to see him leave.Brighton were a long way down the line in terms of completing a deal, but once Chelsea emerged there was only one choice for Dewsbury-Hall.He said: “It wouldn’t be fair to say the fine details [regarding Brighton].”Look, all I can probably say is that as soon as I heard Chelsea were coming in, that was my decision, no matter what was happening.”It was just a conversation that I had with my agent where he let me know that Chelsea were very interested.”When you hear that as a player, it’s a good feeling. When I heard that, that was it, that’s all I wanted.”Dewsbury-Hall already has plenty of Premier League experience, though is hoping for something completely different in West London having only really featured in a struggling Leicester side at this level.He said: “I’m a completely different player now coming back into the Premier League.”I’ve evolved, really, as a player and as a person.”I’ve had the experiences of winning, of dominating games and understanding football on a different level to what I did before.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If I made those leaps and bounds in the first year then I feel excited to see what can happen in the years to come.”If he and Maresca can make it work again, then Chelsea fans will be just as excited. More

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      Reece James admits Enzo Fernandez’s racist storm could be a ‘problem’ in Chelsea dressing room

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      REECE JAMES has admitted Enzo Fernandez’s return to the Chelsea squad on Monday could cause a “problem”.The Argentina midfielder will join his Blues teammates in America ahead of their game against Manchester City – seeing them for the first time since sparking a racism storm.Reece James admits Enzo Fernandez’s return to the Chelsea dressing room could be a ‘problem’Credit: GettyFernandez was among a group of Argentina players filmed singing a derogatory song after the Copa America finalCredit: Instagram @enzojfernandezFernandez remains under internal investigation after filming himself and international teammates chanting a racist and homophobic song about France’s black players as they celebrated winning the Copa America.Chelsea teammate Wesley Fofana called out the club record signing’s “uninhibited racism” and while new manager Enzo Maresca said he is confident everything will be fine, captain James conceded they will not know until Fernandez arrives.Asked if the incident could impact the changing room, James said: “Of course.”There’s always the factor where it doesn’t sit right with people when there could be a problem.READ MORE ON CHELSEA”But until the day comes where everyone’s together and in a room together, I don’t know, but I hope things can be resolved smoothly and we can move forward with the season.”Speaking to ESPN, James added: “I spoke to him a bit, but it was hard because we were in different time zones.”Just a general chat really. His views on what happened and him trying to explain his situation and how things happened.”It’s a really difficult situation. There’s no room for racism or discrimination in football.Most read in FootballChelsea’s US tour partyGoalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Marcus Bettinelli, Eddie Beach, Lucas Bergstrom.Defenders: Reece James, Malo Gusto, Josh Acheampong, Wesley Fofana, Axel Disasi, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, Carney Chukwuemeka, Romeo Lavia.Midfielders: Lesley Ugochukwu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Andrey Santos.Forwards: Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Armando Broja, Tyrique George, Marc Guiu, Angelo.Rested: Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher, Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer.Reported injured: Petrovic   Left out:  Trevoh Chalobah, Alfie Gilchrist, Malang Sarr, Cesare Casadei, Leo Castledine, Deivid Washington, Diego Moreira, Omari Kellyman, Caleb Wiley, Tino Anjorin, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Mason Burstow, David Datro Fofana, Bashir Humphreys, Romelu Lukaku, Alex Matos, Gabriel Slonina, Harvey Vale, Dujuan Richards, Kiano Dyer, Billy Gee, Harrison Murray-Campbell, Ishe Samuels-Smith, Zak Sturge, Jimi Tauriainen, Travis Akomeah, Ato Ampah, Somto Boniface, Luke Campbell, Brodi Hughes, Harrison McMahon, Donnell McNeilly, Leo Cardoso, Max Merrick, Jimmy-Jay Morgan, Richard Olise, Samuel Rak-Sakyi, Frankie Runham, Reiss-Alexander Russell-Denny, Zain Silcott-Duberry, Ronnie Stutter, Shaun Wade, Kaiden Wilson.”I think he quickly put his hand up and acknowledged he’d done wrong and apologised to his team-mates, the club and the rest of the people that were offended.”I think that was probably the best he could have done in that situation.”Chelsea ratings vs WrexhamDespite James’ claims, manager Maresca is hopeful there will not be a clash in the dressing room.Ahead of Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Wrexham earlier this week, he said: “It is quite easy in terms of the player did a statement, apologised and the club did the same.”At the end, they are all human beings, I don’t think there are any bad intentions from any one of them.”When Enzo is back, I don’t think we will have any problems, the player already clarified the situation and the club did the same. There is nothing to add, he is not a bad person or human being. It can happen.”Argentine president Javier Milei flew to France this week for talks with French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in the hope of diffusing the situation ahead of the Olympics.Fernandez has issued an apology following the incident.He took to social media to write: “I want to apologise sincerely for a video posted on my Instagram channel during the national team celebrations.”The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations.”That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character. I am truly sorry.”Wesley Fofana called out Fernandez’s ‘uninhibited racism’Credit: GettyEnzo Maresca hopes there will be no major problemsCredit: Getty More

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      Worrying picture of Enzo Maresca emerges in first-ever Blues match as fans say ‘welcome to Chelsea’

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      ENZO MARESCA appears to have been left feeling blue after his first-ever Chelsea match.Maresca, 44, joined the Stamford Bridge outfit following Mauricio Pochettino’s exit at the end of last season.An image of new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca with his head in his hands went viralMaresca joined the club from LeicesterCredit: GettyThe Italian coach – the club’s fifth manager since the Todd Boehly-led Clearlake takeover – sparked excitement among fans after footage of his pre-season training sessions emerged.Fans no doubt hoped Maresca would be able to implement the same swashbuckling style of football which he used to take Leicester back to the Premier League by winning the Championship.However, with Chelsea some way off the pace last season after a sixth-place finish in the Premier League, there was always a sense the project would take time to bear fruit.Maresca took charge of his first game for Chelsea in a pre-season friendly against Wrexham during their US tour – with Reece James impressing in a new role on SunSport’s player ratings.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChristopher Nkunku got them off to a great start before Wrexham surged in to a 2-1 lead after the break, though Lesley Ugochukwu was able to salvage a draw with a late goal.The game was also filled with drama as Levi Colwill was involved in a heated bust-up with Wrexham’s James McClean just TWO MINUTES into the California friendly.An image of Maresca with his head in his hands while on the bench went viral following the match.And fans were left with just one message: “Welcome to Chelsea.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChelsea’s pre-season tourHere is a look at Chelsea’s full tour of the USA:RESULTSChelsea 2 Wrexham 2 – July 24 FIXTURESChelsea vs Celtic – July 27 – Notre Dame Stadium, Notre Dame, IndianaChelsea vs Club America – July 31 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GeorgiaChelsea vs Manchester City – August 3 – Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OhioChelsea vs Real Madrid – August 6 – Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North CarolinaGotham FC vs Chelsea Women – August 19 – Red Bull Arena, Harrison, New JerseyChelsea Women vs Arsenal Women – August 25 – Audi Field, Washington DCA second said: “Welcome to the top league 😂.”Another said: “He’s already got headache.”Chelsea stars board flight to California for pre-season tour of USA fourth added: “Bro is tired already.”Chelsea’s next game is against Celtic on July 27 down in Indiana.Speaking about the team’s Wrexham draw, Maresca said: “The result is always important but in this moment, the most important thing is to judge the performance, especially after two weeks since we started. “I was very happy in the first half and also in the second half. Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaENZO MARESCA is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.”It is a shame that we conceded the two goals but overall, when you think about players like Wes [Fofana] who played 45 minutes after a year out and different situations, [I am pleased].”The result for us is always important but in this moment, we have to judge different things so I am very happy with the performance.”He added: “In this moment we are trying to build with three [defenders] and two [in defensive midfield]. “First half it was with Reece James inside and in the second half it was with Malo Gusto inside.”It doesn’t matter what the level of the opposition is when they sit back with 11 players behind the ball, it is always difficult to find space and solutions. It is not easy.”We tried in the first half and we tried in the second half and for sure we did many things where we can improve. “But we only started two weeks ago so for me, tonight it was important to start to see the identity of the team and the identity is there.”Having already welcomed seven stars through the door, they are now edging closer to welcoming 22-year-old Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen in a £21million transfer.Maresca is said to be keen to add a new goalkeeper who is adept with the ball at his feet.READ MORE SUN STORIESJorgensen’s arrival may mean that Serbian Djordje Petrovic is sold just a year after he arrived at Stamford Bridge.The keeper has not travelled to the US with Chelsea due to a minor injury but is expected to join up with the squad at some stage. More

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      Forgotten Chelsea wonderkid whose move landed Blues with transfer ban set to continue career in IRAN at 33

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      FORMER Chelsea wonderkid Gael Kakuta is set to become football’s new Prince of Persia… by joining a club in IRAN.The Blues landed a fine and transfer ban when signing the French-born winger from Lens in 2007.Gael Kakuta of DR Congo during the CAF Africa Cup of NationsCredit: GettyOnce dubbed the most gifted player of his generation, he spent eight years at Stamford Bridge.Kakuta, 33, also had loan spells with Fulham and Bolton.The DR Congo international is under contract with French Ligue 2 side Amiens until 2026.But Kakuta is now reportedly poised to sign a two-year deal with top Iranian club Esteghlal.READ MORE IN football They have opened talks with the Lille-born ace, and he is thought keen to swap his third spell with modest Amiens for a move to Tehran.Football is hugely popular in Iran, with the national team regularly qualifying for World Cup finals.Esteghlal finished runners-up in the Persian Pro League last season, and have been national champions nine times.Nicknamed the Blue Boys, they play at the 78,000-capacity Azadi Stadium.Most read in FootballKakuta made 16 senior Chelsea appearancesCredit: Graham Hughes – The TimesCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChelsea pre-season tour squad and notable absenteesGoalkeepers: Robert SanchezMarcus BettinelliEddie BeachLucas BergstromDefenders: Reece JamesMalo GustoJosh AcheampongWesley FofanaAxel DisasiTosin AdarabioyoBenoit BadiashileLevi ColwillBen ChilwellRenato VeigaMidfielders: Carney ChukwuemekaRomeo LaviaLesley UgochukwuKiernan Dewsbury-HallAndrey SantosForwards: Nicolas JacksonChristopher NkunkuRaheem SterlingMykhailo MudrykNoni MaduekeArmando BrojaTyrique GeorgeMarc GuiuAngeloNotable absentees: (Internationals)Cole PalmerConor Gallagher Enzo FernandezMarc Cucurella(Left out ahead of possible loan/sale)Romelu LukakuOmari Kellyman Alfie Gilchrist Bashir Humphreys Cesare Casadei David Datro Fofana Deivid WashingtonDjordje PetrovicEsteghal would be the THIRTEENTH different club of Kakuta’s nomadic career.The 73-cap France youth international has played in Holland, Italy, Spain and China as well as his birth country and England.He made 16 senior Chelsea appearances, and also played handfuls of top-flight games for Fulham and Bolton.Chelsea’s top summer transfer targets More

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      Ben Chilwell ‘leads shock Chelsea transfer list with future of England star and fellow key man far from certain’

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      BEN CHILWELL could be among Chelsea’s top candidates to be sold during the summer transfer window.The Blues are planning a significant clearout following two years under Todd Boehly’s ownership, which has already seen them splashing over £1billion on transfers alone.Chelsea star Ben Chilwell could be on his way out of Stamford BridgeCredit: GettyChelsea’s starting goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic could also leaveCredit: AlamyAccording to The Athletic, the West Londoners are set to offload a number of players, including a few key man from last season.The report claims the compatibility of Chilwell, 27, with new manager Enzo Maresca’s style is “less than clear”.The full-back is one of Chelsea’s highest earners and the club could be open to selling him if the price is right.However, the England international’s injury record could have a negative effect in the transfer market.Read More on ChelseaDjordje Petrovic, meanwhile, appears an even more likely candidate to be sold, despite playing as Chelsea’s No1 last season under former boss Mauricio Pochettino.There are doubts about Petrovic’s ability to play in the way Maresca demands, and his impressive performances last term have club chiefs believing they could make a profit this summer.Conor Gallagher’s situation continues to be unclear as there is an equal chance of a departure and a contract renewal.Gallagher has 12 months left on his contract and is expected to join the team for the pre-season tour in the US while various Premier League clubs continue to monitor his situation.Most read in FootballKepa Arrizabalaga could be on his way out after an unsuccessful loan stint at Real Madrid as Al-Ittihad continue to hold talks after having an opening bid rejected.Chelsea are also expecting to receive good news from Napoli, with the Italians seeing Romelu Lukaku as a potential replacement for Victor Osimhen.Chelsea stars board flight to California for pre-season tour of USAnd Lens have expressed interest in Malang Sarr during the summer transfer window.Chelsea would only consider permanent deals for Kepa, Lukaku and Sarr due to their sizeable wages.Lesley Ugochukwu, Harvey Vale and Leo Castledine have all been earmarked for loan moves.Trevoh Chalobah, who was left out of the pre-season squad, Armando Broja, Cesare Casadei and David Datro Fofana could all be sold if acceptable offers arrive. More

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      Chelsea leave FORTY-THREE players at home as they jet off on pre-season tour with £190m of talent set for transfer exit

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      CHELSEA have left enough players to fill THREE teams behind after flying to the USA.The Blues kick off their pre-season tour against Wrexham in California on Wednesday.Chelsea have flown out to the StatesCredit: GettyFormer Leicester duo Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Ben Chilwell pose for a photoCredit: GettyRenato Veiga joined Chelsea in JulyCredit: GettyNew boss Enzo Maresca will get a good look at his squad with further fixtures planned against Celtic, Manchester City and Real Madrid.But 43 aces – excluding injured stars and internationals given an extended break – did not make the 28-man group.Many of them are unlikely to play for the Blues again as they look to offload talents they paid a combined £190million for. Romelu Lukaku, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Trevoh Chalobah, Cesare Casadei, David Datro Fofana and Malang Sarr were all notable absentees.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSBlues chiefs are desperate to offload £97.5m signing Lukaku, who has spent the last two seasons on loan at Inter Milan and Roma.Chelsea have been linked with a stunning swoop for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.The rumoured move would see them send £77m, Lukaku and another player to Naples in exchange for the hotshot.Keeper Arrizabalaga was shipped out on loan to Real Madrid as cover for the injured Thibaut Courtois last season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe £72.1m signing reportedly has an offer on the table from Saudi Arabia.Academy graduate Chalobah may consider himself unlucky to see himself on the list.Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaBut Tosin Adarabioyo’s arrival has pushes him further down the pecking order.Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher, Moises Caicedo and Cole Palmer are being rested after deep runs at Euro 2024 and the Copa America.Djordje Petrovic is rehabbing after suffering an injury.The rest of the absentees mainly come from Chelsea’s youth teams and would not have expected to make the cut.Chelsea’s US tour partyGoalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Marcus Bettinelli, Eddie Beach, Lucas Bergstrom.Defenders: Reece James, Malo Gusto, Josh Acheampong, Wesley Fofana, Axel Disasi, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, Carney Chukwuemeka, Romeo Lavia.Midfielders: Lesley Ugochukwu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Andrey Santos.Forwards: Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Armando Broja, Tyrique George, Marc Guiu, Angelo.Rested: Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher, Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer.Reported injured: Petrovic   Left out:  Trevoh Chalobah, Alfie Gilchrist, Malang Sarr, Cesare Casadei, Leo Castledine, Deivid Washington, Diego Moreira, Omari Kellyman, Caleb Wiley, Tino Anjorin, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Mason Burstow, David Datro Fofana, Bashir Humphreys, Romelu Lukaku, Alex Matos, Gabriel Slonina, Harvey Vale, Dujuan Richards, Kiano Dyer, Billy Gee, Harrison Murray-Campbell, Ishe Samuels-Smith, Zak Sturge, Jimi Tauriainen, Travis Akomeah, Ato Ampah, Somto Boniface, Luke Campbell, Brodi Hughes, Harrison McMahon, Donnell McNeilly, Leo Cardoso, Max Merrick, Jimmy-Jay Morgan, Richard Olise, Samuel Rak-Sakyi, Frankie Runham, Reiss-Alexander Russell-Denny, Zain Silcott-Duberry, Ronnie Stutter, Shaun Wade, Kaiden Wilson. More

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      Chelsea stars board flight to California for pre-season tour but fans all heartbroken by star’s absence

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      CHELSEA have boarded their flight for their pre-season tour of the US – but fans have been left fuming by one player’s absence.That’s after Trevoh Chalobah was left out of the team’s pre-season squad.Chelsea’s stars have boarded a flight to CaliforniaCredit: InstagramMykhailo Mudryk debuted a new hairstyleCredit: GettyReece James posed for the camerasCredit: GettyBut Trevoh Chalobah was left out of the pre-season tour squadCredit: GettyIt is believed that Chalobah is being frozen out of the squad with the club looking to force him to move.Chalobah, 25, is a product of Chelsea’s Cobham academy who played well under Mauricio Pochettino last season and is understood to want to stay.The player still has four years remaining on his contract, with it expiring in 2028.But, according to Fabrizio Romano, the club believe the squad is “heavy” at the back, having signed Tosin Adarabioyo this summer and wanting to get a look at young talent Josh Acheampong.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe Blues already have Wesley Fofana and Axel Disasi at centre-back too.Chalobah attracted interest from Bayern Munich last year, with former manager Thomas Tuchel keen to link up with him again.West Ham and Fulham have also been regularly connected to the Englishman.Crystal Palace have reportedly had an approach for Chalobah turned down by the Blues.Most read in FootballBen Chilwell posed for the cameras as the squad flew to CaliforniaCredit: GettyNew signing Kiernan Dewsbury Hall posed with fellow ex-Leicester player ChilwellMalo Gusto will be competing with Reece James for a starting berth this seasonCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChelsea are said to value him at £30million but fans are not happy with how he has been treated.Reacting to the pictures of Chelsea boarding the plane ahead of the tour, which kicks off against Wrexham, one fan said: “Go back and get Trevoh.”Chelsea fans can’t wait for new season as video of training session emerges – but some fear ‘we’re revealing too much’Another fan said: “But why?” alongside a photo of Chalobah looking sad.A third fan said: “Justice for Chalobah.”Chelsea pre-season tour squad and notable absenteesGoalkeepers: Robert SanchezMarcus BettinelliEddie BeachLucas BergstromDefenders: Reece JamesMalo GustoJosh AcheampongWesley FofanaAxel DisasiTosin AdarabioyoBenoit BadiashileLevi ColwillBen ChilwellRenato VeigaMidfielders: Carney ChukwuemekaRomeo LaviaLesley UgochukwuKiernan Dewsbury-HallAndrey SantosForwards: Nicolas JacksonChristopher NkunkuRaheem SterlingMykhailo MudrykNoni MaduekeArmando BrojaTyrique GeorgeMarc GuiuAngeloNotable absentees: (Internationals)Cole PalmerConor Gallagher Enzo FernandezMarc Cucurella(Left out ahead of possible loan/sale)Romelu LukakuOmari Kellyman Alfie Gilchrist Bashir Humphreys Cesare Casadei David Datro Fofana Deivid WashingtonDjordje PetrovicWhile a fourth said: “Why would you force out an academy player who’s been with us since u-9?”A number of stars have joined Chalobah in missing the cut for the squad.Other notable absentees include Romelu Lukaku, Omari Kellyman, Alfie Gilchrist, Bashir Humphreys, Cesare Casadei, David Datro Fofana, Deivid Washington and Djordje Petrovic.The club are thought to be exploring deals away for these players, with loans possible.Cole Palmer, Conor Gallagher, Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella are all also missing after their teams went deep into the Euros and Copa America.The club has been rocked by Fernandez singing a racist chant after winning the Copa America, with Chelsea opening an investigation into the matter.Enzo Fernandez’ racist chant has rocked the squadCredit: Instagram @enzojfernandezSeveral of his team-mates have unfollowed Fernandez on social mediaCredit: GettyThe chant, which contained racist and transphobic lines aimed at the French national team, was condemned by Enzo’s team-mate and France international Wesley Fofana.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was joined by Datro-Fofana in criticising Enzo for the vile chant and it has left the Argentine’s future at the club uncertain.Several members of the Chelsea squad are also said to have unfollowed Fernandez on social media.Chelsea’s pre-season tourHere is a look at Chelsea’s full tour of the USA:Chelsea vs Wrexham – July 24 – Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CaliforniaChelsea vs Celtic – July 27 – Notre Dame Stadium, Notre Dame, IndianaChelsea vs Club America – July 31 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GeorgiaChelsea vs Manchester City – August 3 – Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OhioChelsea vs Real Madrid – August 6 – Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North CarolinaGotham FC vs Chelsea Women – August 19 – Red Bull Arena, Harrison, New JerseyChelsea Women vs Arsenal Women – August 25 – Audi Field, Washington DC More

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      Enzo Maresca facing Chelsea baptism of fire with host of upset stars and brutal schedule on US pre-season tour

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      CHELSEA land in the US on Tuesday for their pre-season tour — but boss Enzo Maresca will feel like his feet have barely touched the ground since taking over.The racism row surrounding £106million Argentinian midfielder Enzo Fernandez refuses to go away.Enzo Maresca will be taking charge of Chelsea’s pre-season tourCredit: GettyEnzo Fernandez is in ArgentinaCredit: AFPFernandez shared a video that sparked a racism stormCredit: Instagram @enzojfernandezChelsea’s players will play five games while on the tourCredit: GettyOn Sunday, thousands of River Plate fans sang the offensive chant about France’s national team as he was paraded at his boyhood club in Buenos Aires.So, while 23-year-old Fernandez is on a different continent, he is still giving his manager a headache as they arrive in California.Problems always seem to be just around the corner at Chelsea and the fallout from Fernandez filming his international team-mates chanting the vile song after their Copa America final win has been significant.The player effectively lobbed a grenade into Chelsea’s multi-cultural dressing room — sending it into complete meltdown.READ MORE ON CHELSEAUp to ten Blues stars either unfollowed or snubbed Fernandez on social media, while French team-mate Wesley Fofana blasted the “uninhibited racism”.Fernandez will not join Chelsea on their US tour — which has other problems — but his presence will hang over the fortnight-long trip.He has apologised and the Blues have launched an investigation.But neither of those actions will have healed the wounds among the club’s French contingent, which includes Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Malo Gusto, Christopher Nkunku, Lesley Ugochukwu and Fofana, with three other non-French players also believed to angered by Fernandez’s actions.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNew Stamford Bridge chief Maresca must now try to pick up the pieces in the USA.Dealing with a group who are angered at racist references to their African heritage is not something the Italian would have prepared for.Chelsea fans can’t wait for new season as video of training session emerges – but some fear ‘we’re revealing too much’Chelsea’s pre-season squadHere is a look at Chelsea’s full squad for pre-season…GoalkeepersRobert Sanchez Marcus BettinelliEddie BeachLucas BergstromDefendersReece JamesMalo GustoJosh AcheampongWesley FofanaAxel DisasiTosin AdarabioyoBenoit BadiashileLevi ColwillBen Chilwell Renato VeigaMidfieldersCarney ChukwuemekaRomeo LaviaLesley UgochukwuKiernan Dewsbury-HallAndrey SantosForwardsNicolas JacksonChristopher NkunkuRaheem SterlingMykhailo MudrykNoni MaduekeArmando BrojaTyrique GeorgeMarc GuiuAngeloPlayers who have been at Cobham with the former Leicester boss since the start of this month have been impressed by his intense early sessions.The squad have been worked hard but also given more time working with a ball at their feet — always a popular move — with Maresca joining in plenty of the sessions.But now, there is an early test of how he manages the group when things go wrong.Does he come down hard on Fernandez or try to bring his squad back together?For someone with only one full season in management, this will be a lesson on how serious issues can become under the spotlight of a big club.Keeping players happy while on the tour — which begins with a match against Wrexham in Santa Clara in the early hours of Thursday morning — will be the priority for now.One plate Maresca will not have to spin is new signing Caleb Wiley, 19.The USA international left-back inked a six-year deal after joining from MLS side Atlanta for £8.5m. Wiley is in Paris as part of his country’s squad for the Olympic football tournament.And he is expected to  be immediately sent out on a season-long loan to Strasbourg, who are part of the same ownership group as Chelsea.The idea of pre-season jaunts used to be a solid block of time on the training pitch with the players to really get to grips with them and form new bonds.Now, cash is king and preparation for a tough season takes a back seat.That means Chelsea, over the next two weeks, will take in five games in five different cities, travelling almost 13,000 miles from London in the process.And if there are complaints about overworking players coming from the club over the season, we’ll know where it all started…The hectic schedule, which also sees Maresca’s men take on Celtic, Club America, Manchester City and Real Madrid, has given some players flashbacks to 2022.That US tour, where players — senior and fringe — were split into two groups, caused huge problems for Thomas Tuchel.The German was sacked just six games into the 2022-23 season.His successor, Graham Potter, later revealed the trip had upset the camp.He said: “Speaking to a few of the experienced guys, they thought it was the worst pre-season they’ve had, for different reasons.“That isn’t to blame anybody. It’s just that it happened.“It was more organisationally the tour didn’t work as well as they’d have liked.”That trip was just three games, so playing five this time has not gone down well.READ MORE SUN STORIESMaresca will not have experienced this amount of interest, from fans and commercial partners, before — even as Pep Guardiola’s No 2 at City.Chelsea, with their American ownership, are a different beast, even to Pep’s Treble winners.Chelsea’s pre-season tourHere is a look at Chelsea’s full tour of the USA:Chelsea vs Wrexham – July 24 – Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CaliforniaChelsea vs Celtic – July 27 – Notre Dame Stadium, Notre Dame, IndianaChelsea vs Club America – July 31 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GeorgiaChelsea vs Manchester City – August 3 – Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OhioChelsea vs Real Madrid – August 6 – Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North CarolinaChelsea Women’s fixtures:Gotham FC vs Chelsea Women – August 19 – Red Bull Arena, Harrison, New JerseyChelsea Women vs Arsenal Women – August 25 – Audi Field, Washington DC More