Two new Chelsea signings already injured and left at home for pre-season tour

Jul 24, 2026 - 13:30

Emmanuel Emegha will miss the first leg of Chelsea’s tour to Australia having picked up an injury in a friendly, talkSPORT understands.

Emegha sustained a hamstring issue during the Blues’ 3-0 win over League One side Bromley, which was played behind closed doors.

Emanuel Emegha celebrates scoring for Strasbourg — Emegha’s Chelsea career has got off to a tricky start

The Dutch international was subsequently not included in the Chelsea squad bound for pre-season games in Australia and Asia.

Another notable absentee from the travelling party was Geovany Quneda, who has a minor fitness issue.

It’s a cruel start to life for the duo, who both officially joined Chelsea this summer.

Emegha arrived from the Blues’ sister club Strasbourg on the back of a season where he scored eight goals in 18 matches across all competitions.

However, the 23-year-old struggled with his fitness in the 2025/26 campaign as he missed a total of 33 matches for Strasbourg with injury.

Chelsea beat Manchester United to Quenda in March last year, although the transfer would not take place until this summer.

The 19-year-old arrived at Stamford Bridge on an eight-year deal, with the Blues understood to have paid an estimated £42m to prise him away from Sporting.

Emegha and Quenda’s respective additions continue what has been a hectic summer for the Blues.

Chelsea unafraid to splash the cash

Overseen by new manager Xabi Alonso, who was appointed in May, Chelsea have already spent upwards of £200m.

The headline act of the west London outfit’s summer spending to date is Morgan Rogers, who joined from Aston Villa for an eye-watering £117m.

Chelsea unveil Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa — Despite signing for the Blues, Rogers won’t be on their pre-season trip as he gets an extended break after the World Cup

Chelsea's travelling squad for pre-season

Goalkeepers: Filip Jorgensen, Robert Sanchez, Ted Curd, Teddy Sharman-Lowe

Defenders: Josh Acheampong, Tosin Adarabioyo, Aaron Anselmino, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Jorrel Hato, Marco Palestra, Mamadou Sarr, Tayo Subuloye

Midfielders: Landon Emenalo, Dario Essugo, Omari Kellyman, Romeo Lavia, Madhi Nicoll-Jazuli, Reggie Walsh, Reggie Watson

Forwards: Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, Ryan Kavuma-McQueen, Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, Dastan Satpeyev, Estevao Willian

Rogers’ transfer fee made him the most expensive British player of all time.

Chelsea were also convinced to part with £47m for Italy international Marco Palestra.

Palestra initially seemed destined to join Inter Milan from Atalanta, but Chelsea pipped the Serie A champions to the post.

Chelsea’s expenditure to date has been aided by a string of major outgoings.

Midfielder Andrey Santos made the switch to Manchester United for £50m while Marc Cucurella, who helped Spain win the World Cup, joined Real Madrid for an initial £47.5m.

The Blues also have got winger Alejandro Garnacho off their books as Aston Villa recruited him on a season-long loan with a conditional obligation to buy.