Chelsea star Kurt Zouma was a surprise absentee from Maurizio Sarri’s pre-season tour squad that flew to Australia on Wednesday.
The Frenchman spent last season on loan at Stoke City and impressed during his stay in the north-west despite the fact that the Potters were relegated.
Sarri took a 25-man squad with him to Australia as the Blues prepare for their first pre-season under the former Napoli boss and Zouma’s absence suggested the defender’s time at the club could be up.
However, according to Goal, Zouma is currently injured and Sarri decided he would be best served by receiving treatment in London instead of going on the tour.
Zouma was a first-team regular under Jose Mourinho in 2014/15 but a cruel cruciate injury the following season sidelined him for ten months.
Chelsea new boy Jorginho was part of the travelling party after enjoying a World Cup-free summer following Italy’s failure to qualify for the tournament.
CHELSEA’S PRE-SEASON TOUR SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS: Marcin Bulka, Jared Thompson, Bradley Collins
DEFENDERS: David Luiz, Marcos Alonso, Emerson, Davide Zappacosta, Ola Aina, Michael Hector, Tomas Kalas, Fikayo Tomori
MIDFIELDERS: Jorginho, Cesc Fabregas, Danny Drinkwater, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Ross Barkley, Ethan Ampadu, Mario Pasalic, Kasey Palmer,
FORWARDS: Alvaro Morata, Tammy Abraham, Pedro, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Lucas Piazon, Charly Musonda,
Sarri will take charge of Chelsea for the first time when the Blues take on Perth Glory on Australia’s west coast on Monday.
The club then play Inter Milan and Arsenal before returning to London for the Community Shield clash against Manchester City.