English Premier League
Xabi Alonso includes three Nigerian defenders in Chelsea’s pre-season tour squad
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has named three Nigerian defenders in his 27-man squad for the club’s pre-season tour of Australia and Asia, with Tosin Adarabioyo joined by promising academy graduates Tayo Subuloye and Landon Emenalo.
The trio will travel with the Blues as preparations intensify for the 2026/27 campaign, with Chelsea departing London for Sydney ahead of a demanding schedule of friendly matches.
While Adarabioyo is already an established member of the first team, Subuloye and Emenalo have been rewarded for their impressive performances during the opening weeks of pre-season, earning opportunities to train and travel with the senior squad under Alonso.
The academy duo have been drafted into the travelling party as Chelsea continue without several senior internationals, who are yet to return following their involvement in the latter stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Among the notable absentees are England internationals Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah, as well as French full-back Malo Gusto.
Subuloye heads into the tour after an outstanding 2025/26 season, during which he captained Chelsea’s Under-18 side to the U18 Premier League national title. His leadership and consistent performances also earned him the club’s prestigious Scholar of the Year award.
Emenalo, a versatile defender capable of operating at left-back and in midfield, also impressed throughout the youth campaign. He featured prominently in the U18 Premier League final against Manchester City, underlining the tactical flexibility that has caught Alonso’s attention.
The pre-season tour offers both youngsters a valuable opportunity to stake their claim for future first-team involvement while gaining experience alongside Chelsea’s senior stars.
Chelsea’s itinerary includes friendlies against Western Sydney Wanderers, Tottenham Hotspur, Juventus, AC Milan and Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim as Alonso continues to shape his squad ahead of the new season.