Chelsea XI vs AC Milan: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for pre-season friendly today

Chelsea face AC Milan in Jakarta this afternoon in the first of back-to-back friendlies on their pre-season tour of Asia.The Blues are looking to bounce back quickly after losing for the second game in a row under Xabi Alonso as they were beaten 1-0 by Juventus in Hong Kong on Wednesday.There is not yet any cause for concern for new boss Alonso, but with only two weeks left until the latest Premier League season begins, the Spaniard will be keen to start recovering some momentum.The bulk of Chelsea’s first-team squad are now back following the World Cup, and Alonso is expected to field a strong team against AC Milan as the new season draws closer. The Blues also face Johor Darul Ta'zim in Malaysia on Sunday.The Ukrainian is now firmly in the shop window, with several clubs interested in signing him on loan, and he could be in line for his first start as a Chelsea player since November 2024.Return: Xabi Alonso will be hoping that Cole Palmer is fit to play for Chelsea this weekendGettyRobert Sanchez made his return from injury against Juventus. But with young Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders waiting in the wings, it will be interesting to see who Alonso opts for from the start against Milan as both battle for the No1 jersey.The decision not to play Colwill or Palmer was described as merely precautionary, and so they should both be in contention for minutes this weekend.That is why the return of Colwill, who missed the majority of last season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, will be crucial as the manager seeks to build some familiarity at the back.Read MoreResults in pre-season are often overstated, and while Alonso will have learned a few lessons, there have also been plenty of positives so far.The Sydney-born England youth international was selected ahead of both Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo to partner Moises Caicedo as Alonso put his faith in the Cobham graduate.Geovany Quenda was another who impressed in an otherwise flat Chelsea performance, with the 19-year-old winger proving he is ready to make an immediate impact following his £40million move from Sporting.With two games to come in the space of just 24 hours in different countries, Alonso is expected to rotate as he manages minutes and injury risks.Saturday’s game against Serie A giants AC Milan in Jakarta is likely to feature a near full-strength team, while those who are not as heavily involved will presumably get the nod against Malaysian side Johor Darul Ta'zim on Sunday.Predicted Chelsea XI: Penders; Palestra, Fofana, Colwill, Hato; Lavia, Caicedo; Estevao, Palmer, Mudryk; Joao PedroTime and date: 1pm BST on Saturday August 8, 2026Venue: Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia