Chelsea have now jetted off for their pre-season tour in the United States, but Omari Kellyman is one of the individuals to miss out on a place in the squad.
Chelsea will play five fixtures during their overseas tour as they prepare for the new 2024/25 campaign.
The Blues have travelled with a 28-man squad to America, but defender Trevoh Chalobah is one eye-catching omission. Journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported via X that Chelsea have cut Chalobah from the squad because the depth of options in his position.
Chelsea youngster Omari Kellyman, 18, is another player who’s been left behind in England. His absence from Enzo Maresca’s squad is for a different reason, though.
Omari Kellyman left off Chelsea tour with an injury
According to Football.London, Chelsea’s Kellyman will remain at home over the next few weeks to undergo a rehabilitation programme on an injury.
It is understood that both Chelsea and the player agreed it would be better for him to heal at the club’s training ground Cobham rather than travel for pre-season.
The report explains that Kellyman’s injury problem is not deemed serious. In fact, the teenage attacking midfielder is focusing on getting fit for the start of the season in August.
It cost Chelsea a sizeable £19m transfer fee (BBC) to sign Kellyman from Aston Villa in this summer window, but fans will have to wait a bit longer to see his first minutes for the club.
Can Omari Kellyman get minutes at Chelsea next season?
It’s going to be interesting to see if Kellyman plays much at Chelsea in the upcoming campaign. On paper, it looks like a big ask.
Speaking via Chelsea’s YouTube channel, Kellyman said he prefers to play as a No 10. However, it could be a tough challenge breaking into the Blues XI in that central attacking position.
The likes of Cole Palmer, Carney Chukwuemeka and Christopher Nkunku can all excel as No 10s.
It’s a big shame for Kellyman that he won’t get the pre-season tour to try and grab the attention of Maresca.
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