First pictures as Chelsea squad return for start of pre-season training

Chelsea players were back on Cobham training ground on Saturday as pre-season got under way.

The likes of Ben Chilwell, Ross Barkley, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Hakim Ziyech and Kepa Arrizabalaga were all on show at the club’s training base.

Both Chilwell and Hudson-Odoi faced long spells on the sidelines and returned to training early ahead of the new campaign. The pair are expected to be a part of Thomas Tuchel’s first-team squad this season, but others face more uncertain futures.

Many of the squad will be looking to impress as the manager runs the rule over his players amid what is expected to be a busy transfer window.

Tuchel wants to reshape his squad to mount a serious Premier League title challenge, and new owner Todd Boehly is set to back him to the tune of £200million.

Romelu Lukaku has already been shown the door, returning to Inter Milan on loan, and the club have turned attention to signing Manchester City duo Raheem Sterling and Nathan Ake. Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt is another key target at the back.

A £60million bid for Raphinha has been accepted by Leeds but the player would prefer to join Barcelona, who are struggling financially. Chelsea are also interested in taking Ousmane Dembele on a free transfer after the forward decided to leave Barca.