Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount has confirmed that he will be playing 90 minutes for the Blues during their last pre-season match against Udinese on Friday evening.
Thomas Tuchel’s side have flown to Italy for their final match ahead of the new season, where they will face the Serie A side.
The plans have been confirmed, with Chelsea set to play two matches during their time in Italy.
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The first match, which will take place on Friday and be broadcasted on the 5th Stand app, will feature the first XI, a team likely to play against Everton at the start of the Premier League season.
The second game will be for the extended squad, it has been reported, as they look to get further minutes under their belts.
Mount will no doubt be part of the first XI, having been a key player under Tuchel for the past seasons, winning the Player of the Season award in consecutive years.
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The travelling squad has been announced as Ross Barkley and Michy Batshuayi are notable absentees along with the injured Timo Werner.
Speaking to Chelsea’s official website ahead of the match, Mount revealed that the intensity will be stepping up as he will play 90 minutes.
This will be the first time that an outfield player has played the whole match since the start of pre-season, with Edouard Mendy previously completing 90 minutes during the Blues’ tour of the United States.
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Mount admitted: “It’s a game we’re going to use to gain more physical involvement and improvement but you also want to win and that’s what we want, to get back on that road to winning.
“It’s going to be a brilliant game.
"You know what the fans are like in Italy, they’re top. It will be good to get a full 90 minutes under the belt so I’m looking forward to it.”
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The match should give a good indication of where the Blues are ahead of the start of the Premier League season, as well as who will play against Everton.
With Kalidou Koulibaly and Raheem Sterling arriving this summer, they will likely be the first names on the team sheet as they look to build chemistry with their new teammates.
Tuchel is keen to have more players through the door at Stamford Bridge this summer, with his squad still looking light at the back.
It remains to be seen as to who will feature on Friday and who will play on the Saturday as Chelsea up their preparations.
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The match against Udinese kicks off at 8pm (UK).
Topics: Chelsea, Mason Mount, Football
Nick Emms