Three first-team Chelsea stars: Willian Borges da Silva, Filipe Luis and Juan Cuadrado will miss the start of next season’s Premier League due to their participation in this summer’s Copa America.
READ MORE:
Read the latest Chelsea transfer gossip!
Chelsea target German youngster as potential John Terry replacement
Chelsea in talks with Radamel Falcao over summer transfer
The Blues touched down in Sydney on Sunday, as they begin their post-season tour of Australia and Thailand. Brazilian duo Willian and Luis along with Colombian Cuadrado, however, have missed out on the trip while they prepare for the Copa America tournament, which is set to kick off on June 11 in Chile with the final to be staged at the Estadio Nacional on July 4.
Jose Mourinho will hand the trio a well deserved rest when they return from the competition to avoid possible burnout when Chelsea begin their Premier League title defence, at an earlier date than usual, on August 8 [as confirmed by Sky Sports].
The Portuguese manager said, “They will miss the start of the season, yes,” as quoted by the Daily Mail.
“They will all need a holiday and it is very important for them that they get a proper rest,” he added.
“Our international players are nearing the limits of their mental and physical energy but in a couple of weeks they will have their month holiday before coming back for the new season.”
“The players in the Copa America will obviously need a rest after that. So Willian, Cuadrado, and Filipe Luis will not start the season with us.”
Chelsea team-mates and Brazil international pair Oscar and Ramires were not included by manager Dunga for the tournament. Oscar picked up a thigh injury at the end of March versus Hull City and wasn’t to recover in time. Meanwhile, Ramires wasn’t selected in the 23-man squad [via the Mirror].