Xabi Alonso has confirmed Reece James will remain Chelsea captain, as he gave updates on the future of four players.
Following his appointment as Blues boss in May, Alonso began pre-season this week with a number of his key stars missing due to their involvement at the World Cup, including James.
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The 26-year-old is gearing up for England’s blockbuster semi-final clash with Argentina on Wednesday, having made his return from a hamstring injury in the 2-1 quarter-final win over Norway.
And while James has been absent from club duties, his new boss has given assurances that his role will stay the same when he returns.
The right-back was named as Blues skipper in August 2023, having risen through the club’s academy ranks and has kept the armband despite suffering numerous muscle issues.
James has suffered 10 hamstring injuries since December 2020, but enjoyed a far better time of things fitness-wise this season.
He made his most appearances since the 2020/21 campaign this term, featuring 39 times in all competitions.
True Blue
Speaking to Sky Sports following the start to pre-season, Alonso insisted James is exactly what he is looking for in a captain.
The 44-year-old said: “He can do everything.
“He can attack from inside or outside. He can deliver, he’s good at set-pieces, he has blue DNA, which is very important, and we transmit that to the whole team and new players.
“He’s going to be the captain.”
As well as outlining his plans for James, Alonso also admitted he wants his captain’s upcoming World Cup opponent, Enzo Fernandez, to stay at Stamford Bridge.
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Enzo Fernandez update
James and Fernandez will be on opposing sides on Wednesday night in Atlanta, with both players key figures at Chelsea.
The Argentina star’s future has appeared unclear in recent months, who has been heavily-linkedย with a big-money move toย Real Madridย this summer, despite the Spanish giants publicly denying this.
But while speculation continues over where Fernandez will play next season, Alonso revealed he has spoken with the midfielder and insisted he is part of his plans at Stamford Bridge.
Alonso said: “Enzo’s a great player and we are looking forward to having him and start working together.”
Fernandez signed for Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 for ยฃ106.8million – a British-record transfer at the time.
The 25-year-old enjoyed his best season numbers-wise last term, registering 10 and four assists in 36 Premier League appearances.
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Alonso: Clubs keen on Garnacho
Alonso also addressed the future of another star, as he confirmed there has been interest in Alejandro Garnacho.
eSPORTY understands the club are hoping to recoup the ยฃ40million they paid last summer to sign the winger from Manchester United.
Teams in the Premier League, Italy andย Saudi Arabiaย have been said to be keen, along with admirers from other European clubs too.
On Garnacho, Alonso said: “The situation is that we have spoken with the sporting directors and there is an interest for him from other clubs.
“So let’s see how this develops. But hopefully, it finishes in the best possible way for all parties.”
Garnacho endured a disappointing debut season in west London, as he struggled to establish himself – starting just 14 times in the Premier League last term and scoring once.
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Return of the Jack?
While Garnacho looks set for the exit door, Alonso revealed Nicolas Jackson will be given a chance to prove himself this summer.
The Senegal striker spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, where he served as back-up to Harry Kane and scored 11 goals in 34 appearances in their Bundesliga-winning campaign.
But after returning from his spell away, the new Chelsea boss confirmed Jackson will be part of the pre-season squad heading to Asia.
Alonso told Sky Sports: “I look forward to starting with Nico at that time.”
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