Antonio Conte takes 9 loan players to Austria with the first team
Chelsea have released the squad they have taken to Austria, their first pre-season tour stop.
Jamal Blackman, Victor Moses, Michael Hector, Jordon Houghton, Papy Djilobdji, Christian Atsu, Nat Chalobah, Matej Delac and Cristián Cuevas were all selected by Antonio Conte to travel with the first team.
A lot of players from the first team aren't due back for another week or so, due to commitments either with the Euro's or the Copa America.
Loanee players not selected for this trip included; Victorien Angban, Patrick Bamford, Alex Davey, Marko Marin, Kenneth Omeruo, Danilo Pantic, Lucas Piazon and the most unlikely player to be excluded Marco van Ginkel.
Those excluded may mean Chelsea have lined up loan deals that require them not to travel with the squad. Marco van Ginkel is heavy linked with a return to PSV, Kenneth Omeruo should complete his loan move to Turkish title winners Beşiktaş, Victorien Angban heavily linked with a move to Granada and many more.
Those included that surprised many were midfielder Jordon Houghton and Cristián Cuevas. Though with Chelsea lacking options in midfield, its no surprise Houghton was selected. Cuevas is a strange pick. The left back / left winger is back from his loan in Belgium, but Jay DaSilva was expected to be picked ahead of him.
Chelsea released Italian keeper Amelia this summer, so only have 2 first team keepers. This Austria trips is a chance for Blackman & Delac to claim that 3rd choice keeper spot, but Delac may not receive a work permit in time to stay.
