Chelsea manager Antonio Conte appeared to have gone missing today as Chelsea’s non-World Cup stars returned to pre-season training. The Italian gaffer is still under contract at the club but is expected to receive the axe once Maurizio Sarri is finally appointed. The likes of Cesc Fabregas and Ross Barkley were being put through their paces but were left wondering who will be in charge at Stamford Bridge next season.
Chelsea have been locked in negotiations over the ex-Napoli manager after holding numerous talks. Despite the constant uncertainty over who will be at the helm, the players returned to their Cobham training complex ahead of the new season. David Luiz, Alvaro Morata and Pedro were among the other high profile names being put through a series of exercises and stretches.