Injury scares and a late equalizer ahead of the new season: Chelsea’s last preseason game

Chelsea squad head back to London to prepare for the season

Following the last pre-season match against Borussia Dortmund in the United States, Chelsea are set to head back to home base to keep getting ready for the season opener next week.

Injury scares at Soldier Field

Concerns arose about the state of the pitch for the Blues’ game against Dortmund in Chicago, as it had been used for the Ed Sheeran concert on July 29th. Reports stated that attendees of the concert were allowed onto the grass to watch Sheeran’s performance.

The match continued despite the circumstances, and the team captain, Reece James, experienced a moment of concern with discomfort in the early minutes. Fortunately, it wasn’t severe, allowing him to stay in the game until the end.

However, as the game progressed, Christopher Nkunku went down and was subbed out for Mykhailo Mudryk to prevent any risks, with the season set to begin in eight days. He was spotted with an ice pack on his knee and limping out of the stadium after the match. Chelsea issued a statement shortly after, stating that Nkunku’s condition will be evaluated in the upcoming days.

Pochettino refrained from attributing blame to the conditions and took accountability for the risks involved.

Chelsea’s unbeaten streak

The match against Dortmund presented a significant chance to put an end to Chelsea’s pre-season unbeaten run, as Marius Wolf netted a goal from close range. Remarkably, Dortmund had not managed to register a single shot on target until then. Wolf quickly aimed for another goal, but Kepa’s wide stretch denied his attempt.

Fortunately, Mason Burstow delivered for the Blues by scoring his debut goal, levelling the score with Enzo Fernandez’s free kick.

And that wraps up the pre-season games, with the Blues heading home securing three wins, two draws, and, of course, the Premier League Summer Series trophy.