Chelsea star left teary-eyed as two injury blows hand Xabi Alonso troubling setback
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Chelsea were held to a 3-3 draw by Johor Darul Ta'zim on Sunday, with two players sustaining injuries. 16:48, Sun, Aug 9, 2026 Updated: 17:06, Sun, Aug 9, 2026 Aaron Anselmino was in tears as he left the pitch (Image: X)Aaron Anselmino was left in tears as an injury ended his involvement in Chelsea's 3-3 pre-season friendly draw with Johor Darul Ta'zim on Sunday.
Read our Privacy PolicyEven if the injury doesn't prove a significant concern that will keep Anselmino out for an extended spell, it has hindered the defender's opportunity to demonstrate his value to Alonso during pre-season, with a new Premier League campaign fast approaching.The double injury blow could also prove a substantial setback to Alonso's plans for the season, considering the Spaniard may have been counting on the defenders to provide squad depth, with transfer funds limited following a summer of considerable expenditure.While Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Josh Acheampong, Tosin Adarabioyo and new signing Maxence Lacroix are anticipated to take priority in the heart of Alonso's defensive line, several of Chelsea's remaining defenders are expected to part ways with the club before next month's transfer deadline.Aaron Anselmino was consoled by team-mates (Image: X)Amongst those are Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah and Axel Disasi, all of whom have struggled to leave a lasting impression during their respective spells in West London. Despite fielding a largely second-string side against Johor, there is clearly work to be done ahead of Chelsea's seasonal curtain-raiser against Fulham on August 24.It has been a mixed pre-season tour for the Blues, claiming victories over Western Sydney Warriors and AC Milan, while suffering defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus.
Sunday's encounter with Johor, meanwhile, ended level at 3-3. Johor edged ahead 3-2 with just four minutes remaining through Bergson, before an Antonio Glauder own goal secured a 3-3 draw in Malaysia.