Chelsea vs AC Milan: Alonso's Quest for Stability in Jakarta
Chelsea look to reset the mood of their Asian tour on Saturday when they meet AC Milan in Jakarta, the first leg of a demanding 24-hour double-header that will say plenty about Xabi Alonso’s early reign.
Two defeats on the bounce have cooled the early optimism. Crawley, Bromley and Western Sydney Wanderers were swept aside with the ease expected of a club of Chelsea’s resources. Then came the late collapse against 10-man Tottenham in Australia and a flat 1-0 loss to Juventus in Hong Kong, sealed by a brilliant second-half strike from Edon Zhegrova at Kai Tak Stadium.
Pre-season is not the time for panic. But with the Premier League kicking off in a fortnight, it is absolutely the time to sharpen edges and settle arguments.
Alonso seeks stability, and a statement
Alonso has yet to see a settled back four. Chelsea have looked uncertain without it, and the manager has not tried to hide behind that reality. The return of Levi Colwill, who missed most of last season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, now feels pivotal to any sense of defensive calm.
Colwill and Cole Palmer both sat out the Juventus defeat, the staff unwilling to risk them on another patchy surface. Those absences were described as precautionary, and both are expected to be in contention for minutes across the Milan clash and Sunday’s meeting with Johor Darul Ta'zim in Malaysia.
Jakarta, though, should see something close to Alonso’s strongest hand. With two matches in two countries inside 24 hours, rotation is inevitable, but the Serie A giants are likely to face the bulk of Chelsea’s first-team core. The second string, and the youngsters pushing them, can expect their turn in Malaysia.
One of Alonso’s biggest calls comes in goal. Robert Sanchez returned from injury against Juventus, yet young Belgian Mike Penders is pressing hard. The No1 shirt is not nailed down. Jakarta may offer a clue as to who starts the league campaign.
Mudryk back in the spotlight
The Juventus game was overshadowed by the re-emergence of Mykhailo Mudryk. His return followed the resolution of his anti-doping disciplinary case with the FA, clearing him to resume his Chelsea career in full.
Now he is back in the shop window. Several clubs are tracking him for a loan move, and a first Chelsea start since November 2024 is within reach this weekend. Jakarta could be both a showcase and an audition.
Palmer’s fitness will be watched just as closely. Alonso’s attack has lacked fluency in the last two outings, and the England international’s creativity between the lines remains central to Chelsea’s best work. If he is ready, he plays.
Young blood and new faces change the picture
Not everything about this tour has been scratchy. Far from it. The rise of Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli has been one of the standout stories of Chelsea’s summer.
The 16-year-old Sydney-born England youth international earned his first senior start against Juventus and did not look out of place. Alonso trusted him ahead of Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo to partner Moises Caicedo in midfield, a bold call that underlined how seriously the manager views his Cobham prospects.
Geovany Quenda has offered another jolt of energy. The 19-year-old winger, signed for £40million from Sporting, was one of the few bright sparks in an otherwise subdued display in Hong Kong. Direct, confident, and keen to take responsibility, he looks ready to impact the first team now rather than later.
Those two, along with the likes of Estevao, give Alonso options that go beyond the familiar names. Pre-season is their platform. Some are already using it.
Milan test arrives at the right time
AC Milan in Jakarta is not just another friendly. It is a dress rehearsal in front of a vast crowd at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, a chance to restore some rhythm and remind everyone what Alonso wants this Chelsea to be.
The predicted XI reflects that intent: Penders; Palestra, Fofana, Colwill, Hato; Lavia, Caicedo; Estevao, Palmer, Mudryk; Joao Pedro. Strong, aggressive, loaded with technical quality and youth. The kind of side a new manager can build a project around if performances start to match the potential on paper.
Kick-off comes at 1pm BST on Saturday August 8, 2026. By then, Chelsea will be looking not just for a win, but for something more important: signs that this team is beginning to recognise itself.
Two weeks from the start of the Premier League, that recognition can’t be delayed much longer.
