Xabi Alonso delighted as Mykhailo Mudryk finally returns to Chelsea
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said he was delighted that Mykhailo Mudryk has been cleared to return to football after almost two years on the sidelines following a failed doping test.
De Zerbi rules James Maddison out of Tottenham's pre-season to avoid injury risk
The Spurs boss said the club will not take any chances with the midfielder, who spent almost all of last season on the sidelines after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Speaking after Tottenham's open training session in Sydney, De Zerbi explained that protecting Maddison's fitness is the priority.
"James has a small problem," De Zerbi said. "I don't want to take any risks, especially at this part of the season and especially for James because he suffered a long injury last season. He's an important player for us."
The same cautious approach will be taken with midfielder Mateus Fernandes, who has been dealing with calf fatigue.
"The same for Mateus Fernandes," De Zerbi added. "It is not the right moment to take risks. We will work again when we are back in London."
Tottenham have enjoyed a positive pre-season so far, beating MK Dons 1-0 and Auckland FC 2-0 before drawing 1-1 with Sydney FC and winning the match 4-2 on penalties.
Spurs still have four friendly matches before the new campaign begins. They face Chelsea in Sydney today before returning to London to take on Getafe behind closed doors. They will then complete their preparations with a double-header against Hoffenheim, with one match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and another behind closed doors at Hotspur Way.
Tottenham begin their 2026-27 Premier League season away to Brentford on 22 August, with De Zerbi keen to ensure key players such as Maddison are fully fit for the start of the competitive campaign.
Richarlison strikes late as 10-man Tottenham sink Chelsea in Sydney
Richarlison scored a dramatic late winner as 10-man Tottenham Hotspur claimed a 2-1 victory over Chelsea in an entertaining pre-season friendly in Sydney on Saturday.
'Training is really fun' - Florian Wirtz excited for new Liverpool era under Andoni Iraola
Florian Wirtz has said Liverpool are determined to improve after a disappointing 2025-06 campaign as he looks forward to a fresh start under new head coach Andoni Iraola.
Chelsea hit with 10 million pounds fine after admitting rule breaches
Chelsea have been fined 10 million pounds and handed a suspended two-window transfer ban after admitting to 74 breaches of the Football Association's agent regulations.