Xabi Alonso takes Chelsea substitute OFF after just 19 minutes in pre-season friendly against Western Sydney Wanderers

XABI ALONSO subbed off a Chelsea starlet just 19 minutes after bringing him on as a substitute in a pre-season friendly. The new boss is getting to know his squad on a pre-season tour of Australia and Asia. Xabi Alonso brutally subbed a Chelsea youngster after just 19 minutes Credit: PA Omari Kellyman had to make way for Estevao just 19 minutes after coming on Credit: Getty And they kicked things off in Sydney against Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday. The Blues went into the half-time break level with the minnows at 2-2. Sign up for the Chelsea newsletter Thank you! There, Alonso made the decision to introduce Omari Kellyman, 20, in place of Ryan Kavuma-McQueen ahead of the second period. But Kellyman lasted just 19 minutes before himself being hooked in favour of Brazilian wonderkid Estevao. The towering attacking midfielder joined the Blues from Aston Villa in 2024 for a fee of £19million. But his first season was mired by injuries to his ankle and hamstring, keeping him out of Enzo Maresca‘s plans. He spent last season on loan with Cardiff City in the Championship, where he impressed as he bagged 11 goals in 36 appearances. But if his minimal gametime was anything to go by, Kellyman faces another fight to prove his worth under Alonso’s reign. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS The youngster would surely have been keen to have a bigger part to play in what proved to be a bizarre contest down under. Chelsea found themselves behind on three occasions against their underdog opponents as the score climbed to 4-3 in the hosts’ favour. But Joao Pedro sprang to life after his 63rd-minute introduction, scoring a hat-trick in the span of nine minutes to push his side into a 6-3 lead. Comment now