Chelsea has established a secondary training group for players whose futures at the club are uncertain, as manager Xabi Alonso seeks to reduce the size of the squad before the 2026-27 season begins. This new arrangement involves players training separately from the primary squad at the club's Cobham training ground.
Players like Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson are reportedly part of this separate group, with potential departures being considered for them, either permanently or on loan. Mykhailo Mudryk has also joined these alternative sessions, becoming available for selection after his suspension for anti-doping offenses concluded.
The club is reportedly working to move away from past perceptions of a "bomb squad," a term used for groups of players who were marginalized and trained in isolation. In contrast to previous practices, this new second group is training on the same pitch, at the same time, and utilizing the same first-team facilities as the main squad.
Sources within Chelsea describe the group as fluid, with player participation varying based on workloads and Alonso's training plans. The club denies that only players slated for sale or loan are involved in these separate sessions. Players like Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson have reportedly been part of these sessions as they work to regain match fitness, alongside younger players.
Following the loan of Reggie Walsh to League One club Wigan, Chelsea's senior squad list now includes 41 player profiles. Axel Disasi, who is reportedly working on securing an exit from the club, has also been training separately from Alonso's main sessions. Tosin Adarabioyo, a player attracting interest from both English and European clubs, is also believed to have been training with this secondary group.
Meanwhile, Enzo Fernandez, Malo Gusto, and Pedro Neto, who have been subjects of transfer speculation with significant valuation, have continued to train with Alonso's main squad. Chelsea's first Premier League fixture of the season is scheduled for Monday against Fulham.