Chelsea lose secret friendly against Championship side as Xabi Alonso red-faced

Chelsea suffered a 2-0 defeat against Championship side Portsmouth in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Cobham on Saturday. With several senior players away on international duty, manager Xabi Alonso used the match as a training exercise focusing on tactical drills and rehabilitation for recovering squad members alongside emerging youth talents.

Injured players Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer, Reece James, and Marco Palestra likely featured in some capacity during the weekend. Meanwhile, forward Joao Pedro has been consulting a specialist for a knee issue, and Jamie Gittens sustained an injury while playing for England's under-21s.