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Chelsea's pre-season build-up has been thrown into disarray after a damaging double injury setback in their 3-3 draw against Johor Darul Ta'zim. The Blues saw one of their most promising defensive talents walk off in tears, handing manager Xabi Alonso a serious concern ahead of the new Premier League season.

Anselmino emotional after hamstring blow

The image of Aaron Anselmino being comforted by his team-mates as he left the pitch in tears will be a worrying one for Chelsea supporters with the new campaign drawing closer. The 21-year-old centre-back, who joined the club in 2024, appeared to pick up a significant hamstring problem just 29 minutes into the friendly at Stadium Sultan Ibrahim.

Anselmino was clearly upset as he remained on the ground while receiving treatment, and his reaction suggested real concern over how serious the injury might be. The former Borussia Dortmund and Strasbourg loanee has struggled with similar fitness problems since arriving at Stamford Bridge, and this latest issue deals a major blow to his hopes of forcing his way into Alonso's first-team plans.

Sarr compounds Alonso's defensive problems

Alonso's troubles had started even before kick-off in Malaysia, with 20-year-old centre-back Mamadou Sarr forced to pull out of the starting line-up. After initially being named in the XI, the Senegal international withdrew during the warm-up, leaving the Blues short of options in defence from the very beginning.

With transfer funds reportedly running low after a summer of major spending in other areas, Alonso had been expected to rely heavily on the depth available to him in central defence. Losing two young and capable options in the space of one afternoon now pushes the club towards rethinking how it manages the squad.

Tempers flare on the touchline in Malaysia

The injury problems were not the only source of drama in Johor, as the match also featured a heated touchline incident involving Chelsea's new coaching set-up. Set-piece coach Austin MacPhee had to be physically held back by Alonso after a dangerous challenge on Liam Delap triggered a confrontation with the opposition bench.

The 3-3 draw was a chaotic contest that highlighted the tactical shortcomings Alonso is still trying to fix. Although Chelsea's attack found success through Delap's penalties, the defensive errors and the injuries to Anselmino and Sarr ultimately overshadowed the display.

As the side gets ready to head back to Stamford Bridge, attention will now turn fully towards the treatment room. Alonso has been given the task of taking Chelsea back into the Champions League places, but his rebuilding job is already being tested by its first major spell of adversity.