While Xabi Alonso will not be concerned with a pre-season defeat to Juventus, however seems to have more worries about the midfield options he has available to him at Chelsea.

The Blues fell to a second successive loss in pre-season, this time 1-0 to Serie A opposition, although they were missing key man Cole Palmer.

There were starts for Danny Welbeck and Geovany Quenda, although the biggest surprise was that 16-year-old Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli began the game alongside Moises Caicedo.

Thoughts after another pre-season defeat under Xabi Alonso?🤔

Xabi Alonso sends midfield message to Chelsea owners

The academy star impressed against top-level opposition, and has caught the eye of Alonso throughout the tour. However, he is unlikely to start the season when Premier League football arrives.

It was clear that neither of Romeo Lavia or Dario Essugo are deemed to be of the level too, and Jordan Henderson’s fitness will be monitored after his wrist injury suffered at the World Cup.

There are no assurances that Enzo Fernandez will stay with the club as his desire to leave remains, and all of a sudden it becomes clear that Chelsea are a midfielder light going into the new season.

By starting Nicoll-Jazuli, as talented as he may be, Alonso has proven that his squad is not yet ready, with the Premier League less than three weeks from starting.

Adding a Fernandez exit to this equation would spell danger for Chelsea, and in turn force the owners to do more investing in the first team squad.

CONFIRMED Chelsea XI vs Juventus!

What do you make of the starting XI?

Potential Chelsea midfield targets

Signing a big name would rely on Fernandez leaving the club, however they have a number of names on their shortlist should this occur.

The Blues have already seen a bid rejected for Alex Scott, although the two clubs have remained in contact regarding that possible transfer.

There is also interest in signing Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace, after the two sides have already done business over the signing of Maxence Lacroix.

This deal would likely cost the Blues around £100m though, money that will not be accessible unless Fernandez does depart.