Full training with the team in Austria

“I feel as though I’d never injured my arm in the first place - so far so good. I’m putting in 100% and I’m hoping to keep it that way. I was forced to prepare individually back in England but I’m allowed to join the team here,” stated Petr.
It felt fantastic to be back in the goal on Monday. “It seemed really natural even though it had been a while since I’d last done it. I got a lot of work out done during my rehabilitation though, so saving isn’t really a problem. There’s no pain whatsoever,” said Petr happily.
In the last couple of years it was common for the team to set off on a tour around the US or Asia for pre-season preparation. This year, however, the club opted for a football camp in Europe. “It’s mainly due to the World Cup. The players who actually took part in it are only joining gradually and therefore it’s more convenient to meet up halfway,” Petr explained. As the team is not complete just yet, it has been supplemented by a few players from Chelsea Academy. “The Brazilians, Belgians and our German World Cup winner Andre Schürrle have yet to arrive. They will be joining us later since they had to stay in Brazil until recently.”
Manager José Mourinho has brought 26 players to Austria, including four goalkeepers: Petr, Mark Schwarzer, Matej Delač and the young Mitchell Beeney. “There’s a lot of us so that our coaches can build two separate groups. It’s quite the challenge for the young Academy players. They’ll get to get acquainted with other teammates and gain new motivation for their future work. Obviously once the original team’s complete again the squad will have to change,” admitted Petr.
The new signings Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas and Filipe Luis are preparing for the new season, as well. Chelsea is due to play a friendly match with the 2nd division Austrian team RZ Pellets. And Petr will be in the goal!. “From Austria we’ll be flying over to Slovenia to face Olimpija Ljubljana on Sunday, and continue to Holland. We’re then playing Vitesse Arnhem on Wednesday and Werder Bremen at the weekend,” Petr described the schedule.