Forest at Home
You’d be forgiven for missing the Carabrao Cup draw last night, it took place at 4.30am and in the country of China. Chelsea will meet Championship opposition in the cup, playing Mark Warburton’s Nottingham Forest side. They saw off Newcastle in Round Two, winning 3-2 at St James’ Park. Their reward for beating Rafa Benitez’s side is an away fixture to the Premier League champions. The game will take place in the week commencing September 18th.
Cahill to Italy
Reports in Italy have suggested that Serie A champions Juventus have contacted Chelsea over the availability of Gary Cahill. Despite being named captain by Antonio Conte earlier this summer, there is apparent doubt over Cahill’s first team opportunities, with the Blues still interested in Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk. The Italian side are looking for a replacement for Leonardo Bonucci, who signed for AC Milan earlier in the window.
Tuchel In
Former Borussia Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel has been lined to replace Antonio Conte as Chelsea manager, according to reports from Germany. Despite winning the title in his first season as manager, there is doubts over the Italian’s long term future in West London. Reports suggest Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia has approached the German to take over at Stamford Bridge. However, Chelsea confirmed that the reports were nonsense and that there is no contingency plan in place if Conte does in fact leave the club.
Champions League Draw
After a year away, Chelsea are back in the Champions League, and the group stage draw has been made. This year, the Blues will face Atletico Madrid, AS Roma, and Qarabag. Chelsea will travel to the capital cities of Spain, Italy, and Azerbaijan, as they aim to progress as far in the European competition as possible. The Under-19 side will face the same opposition in the UEFA Youth League this year.