Willains Explains Absence From Checlsea

Chelsea have no immediate concerns about Willian despite the Brazilian’s failure to report for preseason training on time, sources have told ESPN FC.

Willian was due to report at Cobham last Friday after enjoying a three-week holiday following Brazil’s elimination from the World Cup, but informed the club ahead of time that passport issues would delay his return.

Sources told ESPN Brasil that Willian had to renew his passport, but the issue is now resolved and he is due to fly back to London on Tuesday night while the rest of Chelsea’s squad travel to Dublin ahead of their second International Champions Cup match against Arsenal at the Aviva Stadium.

While the situation is far from ideal, Willian’s proactive communication is in stark contrast to the actions of Diego Costa last summer. Chelsea were unable to reach their unsettled striker for long periods as he refused to leave his home town of Lagarto in Brazil and pushed for a move to Atletico Madrid.

Willian has been linked with Barcelona and Real Madrid this summer, but the Catalan giants appear to have turned their attentions elsewhere after completing a £36.5 million deal for Bordeaux winger Malcom.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is available for selection against Arsenal after deciding to cut short his post-World Cup holiday to begin preseason training on Monday.