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Chelsea Kicks Off Pre-Season with Bayer Leverkusen Clash
8 Aug
Summary
- Chelsea plays first pre-season game against Bayer Leverkusen
- New signings Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer score in recent matches
- Three potential debutants available for Chelsea this weekend

As of August 8th, 2025, Chelsea is preparing for the upcoming Premier League season with a series of pre-season matches. The Blues will play their first game of the pre-season against Bayer Leverkusen on Friday.
Chelsea's players returned to training after a three-week break following their Club World Cup final win over Paris Saint-Germain last month. In that final, young midfielder Cole Palmer starred, scoring two goals to help Chelsea claim the title.
Alongside Palmer, new signing Joao Pedro has also been making an impact, netting his third goal in two games since joining the club from Brighton. There could be three more fresh faces making their Chelsea debuts this weekend, as Jamie Gittens, Willian Estevao, and Jorrel Hato are all available for selection by manager Enzo Maresca.
After the Bayer Leverkusen match, Chelsea will take on AC Milan at Stamford Bridge next week. The world champions will then kick off their Premier League campaign at home against Crystal Palace on August 17th.