Nicolas Jackson has been left out of Chelsea’s squad to face Bayer Leverkusen amid transfer speculation.
The striker is the subject of interest from Newcastle, among other clubs, and has reportedly asked to explore a move away from west London this summer. He misses out for the Leverkusen friendly, as does Christopher Nkunku, who is also set to leave.
Willian Estevao will make his Chelsea debut from the off, while Jamie Gittens and Jorrel Hato are on the bench as they await their first minutes in blue.
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Elsewhere, Liam Delap is set for his home debut after impressing at the Club World Cup.
Enzo Maresca had injury headaches over Benoit Badiashile, Dario Essugo and Enzo Fernandez after the Club World Cup final, but after three weeks off since the Blues’ triumph in the United States, all three are available for selection.
Romeo Lavia, though, misses out through injury.
Wesley Fofana is back in training, although this game is likely to come too soon, while Levi Colwill faces a lengthy period on the sidelines after undergoing successful knee surgery.
The game is Chelsea’s first since that 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in East Rutherford, New Jersey, when the Blues were crowned world champions thanks to Cole Palmer’s brace and Joao Pedro’s third goal in two games.
The Blues take on AC Milan in their final preparation on Sunday before their Premier League curtain-raiser against FA Cup winners Crystal Palace next weekend.
Chelsea starting XI: Jorgensen; Gusto, Acheampong, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Andrey Santos; Estevao, Palmer, George; Delap
Subs: Sanchez, Slonina, James, Tosin, Anselmino, Hato, Antwi, Rak-Sakyi, Essugo, Fernandez, Pedro Neto, Gittens, Joao Pedro
Injured: Fofana, Colwill, Lavia
Time and date: 7pm BST today, Friday August 8, 2025
How to watch: 5 and DAZN
Venue: Stamford Bridge
