Gary Cahill spotted with Chelsea squad amid speculation he could make return

Former Chelsea star Gary Cahill has been spotted with the Blues' first team squad during their pre-season tour amid speculation he could make a return to the club.

The 37-year-old spent seven years at Chelsea between 2012 and 2019, winning the Champions League in his first season and the Premier League in 2015.

He was appointed as club captain in the summer of 2017 following the departure of John Terry, spending a further two years as skipper before his own exit.

Cahill then spent two years at fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace, and spent the final 18 months of his professional career at Bournemouth before announcing his retirement last November.

A favourite among Chelsea supporters, the centre-back is now back among Chelsea's ranks - and there is speculation that he could make a return to the club in a non-playing capacity.

Cahill spotted with Chelsea stars

The Blues jetted off to the States for their pre-season tour earlier this week. And a video posted by the social media account of the Florida Cup Series, which Chelsea are playing in, shows the club's players arriving at their base.

And Cahill has been spotted among them.

Gary Cahill at the back of the group walking into the Hotel https://t.co/Ubtnkmrdht

— CarefreeYouth (@CarefreeYouth) July 18, 2023

Speaking after his retirement announcement in November, Cahill admitted that he did not yet know what he would do in terms of entering management or coaching.

He explained: "Everyone is different, and I'm not sure yet what I'll do. I want to take some time away and step back from football and just enjoy watching it.

"I'm conscious of not diving into something straightaway so I'll spend some time with the family. I'll make a decision on the next chapter in my life after Christmas."

It has been reported that Cahill is in the States to be involved with fan engagement - but a return to the club could be discussed while he is with the squad.

If Cahill does return to the club, it may not be outside the realms of possibility that the Blues try to convince him to play in the club's pre-season friendlies, with centre-backs Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badashile both injured.

With Cesar Azpilicueta having left the club on a free transfer, Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah and Thiago Silva are manager Mauricio Pochettino's only senior options in the position at present.

Jonny Evans, meanwhile, has been included in Manchester United's pre-season tour squad, with the centre-back having signed a short-term deal to return to the club as a player.