Summer signing Omari Kellyman is not part of Chelsea’s pre-season tour of America because he is still carrying an injury from his time at Aston Villa according to reports.
Kellyman arrived from Villa for £19m earlier this summer, and the teenager was expected to be assessed on the tour before the club made a final decision over whether he would be part of the squad or go on loan.
The Blues arrived in America on Tuesday morning UK time and have their first two friendlies this week against Wrexham on Wednesday and Celtic on Saturday.
Kellyman not on pre-season tour
There were a number of names missing from Chelsea’s 28 man travelling squad which was announced on Monday evening with the likes of Kellyman, Djordje Petrovic, David Datro Fofana, Cesare Casadei and Alfie Gilchrist all missing.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has clarified Kellyman isn’t part of the travelling party because he’s still carrying an injury from his time at Villa, and the decision was taken for him to continue his rehab at Cobham.
He took to X.com and said:
“Omari Kellyman missing from Chelsea’s pre-season tour of America as still carrying an injury from his time at Aston Villa. Expected back soon. Decision taken to undergo rehab at Cobham rather than travel.”
Omari Kellyman missing from Chelsea's pre-season tour of America as still carrying an injury from his time at Aston Villa. Expected back soon. Decision taken to undergo rehab at Cobham rather than travel.🏥 pic.twitter.com/9Yy41vd5rI
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 22, 2024
Petrovic is believed to be carrying a small injury and could join the tour later on, whilst the likes of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez are likely to join at a later date, whilst it’s unclear if Marc Cucurella or Cole Palmer will play any part.
Given Kellyman hasn’t played much senior football it would seem the most logical decision would be for him to go on loan and get regular game time in order to help his development and gain the experience of playing week in week out.
The Blues have a number of options in the attacking positions, and even if Kellyman had been fit the chances of him getting enough minutes at Chelsea next season to help his development would seem pretty slim even if the club are in the Europa Conference League which provides a number of extra games.
