Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has said he finds it strange and frustrating that Willian failed to report for pre-season training on time.
Willian — a Manchester United target — was unable to get to Cobham following his post-World Cup holidays because the Brazilian’s passport had expired.
Club insiders confirmed he arrived at Chelsea’s training base on Wednesday afternoon, five days later than he was scheduled to be back.
Sarri seems to be less than pleased with the situation as he was planning to use Willian at Huddersfield in Chelsea’s first Premier League fixture of the season.
‘I want to speak to him before I answer these questions,’ Sarri said. ‘I want to speak to him.
‘I am not happy about this situation but before I answer, I would like to speak to him.’
Asked if it was strange, he said: ‘I think so.’
Chelsea insist there is nothing untoward about the 29-year-old’s delayed arrival for pre-season.
They say he told them in advance and has stayed in constant contact.
Willian has been the subject of a £65million bid from La Liga giants Real this summer, while Barcelona and Manchester United have also shown an interest.