Chelsea reveal two stars will miss out on pre-season tour due to vaccination status

The Blues have travelled to the United States of America, where current rules forbid entry to the country for anyone who has not received the COVID vaccine.

"N'Golo Kante and Ruben Loftus-Cheek will not travel due to their Covid vaccination status," Chelsea confirmed in a statement.

The Blues will begin a week-long training camp in the States before facing Club America in Las Vegas next Saturday.

They will also take on Charlotte in the Bank of America Stadium and conclude the tour with a friendly against Arsenal in Orlando on July 23.

Kante and Loftus-Cheek were the only surprise omissions in a 29-man touring squad which includes a number of players linked with summer exits.

Veteran defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso travelled despite being linked with Barcelona, with new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly thought to have discussed their future with the Spanish giants earlier this week.

Forwards Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner are also taking part in the pre-season camp despite all being linked with a move to Italy.

Meanwhile, returning loanees Conor Gallagher, Billy Gilmour, Ethan Ampadu, Michy Batshuayi, Emerson, Tino Anjorin and Levi Colwill will get a chance to catch Tuchel's eye.

Elsewhere, Ben Chilwell and Callum Hudson-Odoi will step up their recoveries from long-term injuries, hoping to provide a boost for the Blues ahead of the new campaign.