Chelsea’s Pre-Season Woes Continue with 1-0 Defeat to Juventus in Hong Kong
Chelsea’s pre-season tour of Asia hit a snag on Thursday evening as they fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Juventus at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong. The match, which served as the Blues’ third friendly of the summer, was a tightly contested affair, with the Italian side edging it thanks to a solitary goal. Despite pushing hard for an equalizer in the closing stages, Chelsea couldn’t find a way past the Juventus defense, with late opportunities for Estevao Willian and Romeo Lavia going begging.
The most notable moment of the game came off the pitch, as Mykhailo Mudryk made his long-awaited return to action, coming off the bench for the final eight minutes. This was the Ukrainian winger’s first appearance since November 2024, following the resolution of his anti-doping disciplinary proceedings with the Football Association. His comeback was a positive takeaway for Chelsea fans, who will be eager to see the 25-year-old rediscover his form after a 20-month absence.
In other news, Cole Palmer was notably absent from the squad, with head coach Xabi Alonso providing fitness updates on the duo of Palmer and another key player. While the exact reasons for Palmer’s omission weren’t disclosed, it’s likely a precautionary measure given the demanding pre-season schedule. Alonso also expressed his admiration for two of his players who impressed during the defeat, with Geovany Quenda making an immediate impact and earning praise from the manager.
The loss follows a mixed start to the tour, which included a win over Western Sydney Wanderers and a defeat to Tottenham in Sydney. With the pre-season campaign ongoing, Chelsea will be looking to iron out their inconsistencies before the Premier League season kicks off. Meanwhile, off the pitch, there was further disappointment as Kerim Alajbegovic, a Leverkusen target, has reportedly agreed to join Juventus, leaving Chelsea empty-handed in their pursuit of the defender. As the Blues continue their preparations, fans will be hoping for a stronger showing in their remaining friendlies.
Shimanta Das 
