Chelsea faces a demanding end to their two-week preseason tour, playing Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) barely 24 hours after a friendly against AC Milan. This rare quick succession of games tests the depth of Chelsea's 30-strong squad. JDT, managed by Xisco Muñoz, are formidable opponents, having won the Malaysia Super League twelve consecutive times and reaching the AFC Champions League quarterfinals last season. Their squad features local talent and imports like Juan Diego Molina Martínez, nicknamed Stoichkov.

Chelsea's head coach, Xabi Alonso, treated the AC Milan friendly as a competitive match, indicating a serious approach to preseason. Many key players who featured prominently against Milan are expected to rest, allowing fresh legs to step up. Alonso expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, emphasizing that the Premier League season will be another starting point in the team's ongoing evolution. This match against JDT is the fifth of Chelsea's preseason fixtures.