Chelsea announces squad for Real Sociedad friendly, excludes Jackson, Delap, and Adarabioyo

Chelsea have named their squad for today’s pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge, and three familiar names are conspicuously missing. Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap, and Tosin Adarabioyo have all been left out, adding fuel to growing speculation about their futures at the club.

The match, kicking off at 2pm UK time on August 15, represents Xabi Alonso’s first home game as Chelsea manager. It also represents the last meaningful audition before the 2026/27 Premier League campaign begins.

Three absences, one message

Nicolas Jackson arrived at Stamford Bridge back in 2023 for £32M. His exclusion from the squad comes after he was spotted absent from recent training sessions.

Liam Delap’s situation is arguably more surprising. Chelsea signed him in June 2025 for £30M, and his estimated value has since climbed to around £50M. That kind of appreciation usually buys you a guaranteed spot in pre-season squads.

Then there’s Tosin Adarabioyo, the centre-back who joined from Fulham in 2024. All three players have been absent from recent training sessions.

Alonso’s first home lineup takes shape

Captain Reece James starts, providing continuity at the club. New signings Marco Palestra and Morgan Rogers also feature in the starting XI. Joao Pedro is projected to lead the forward line. With Chelsea carrying seven strikers on their roster heading into pre-season, the decision not to include Jackson, Delap, and Adarabioyo even among the substitutes is notable. The substitutes’ list features several academy players and recent signings.

This is the first meeting between Chelsea and Real Sociedad in 12 years.

Alonso’s rebuild enters a critical phase

Xabi Alonso was appointed on a four-year contract effective July 1, 2026. His task includes reshaping a bloated squad that currently carries seven strikers.

Delap’s situation is particularly interesting from a financial perspective. A player signed for £30M whose value has reportedly risen to £50M represents a potentially profitable exit for the club.

Adarabioyo arrived from Fulham in 2024. His departure would be less about profit and more about tactical fit under Alonso’s new regime.

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