[misha]

William Gallas' future at Chelsea would appear to be in doubt as The Blues have confirmed he has not linked up with the squad on their pre-season tour of United States.

Gallas was informed by Blues officials that he would be required to join up with his team-mates at the start of August, but he did not make the trip.

Chelsea have insisted that the France international defender has acted against their wishes and could be subject to club sanctions at a later date.

"William Gallas will not be joining up with Chelsea FC on the pre-season tour of the United States," said the club in a statement on ChelseaTV.

"Gallas was due to join the team with the other Chelsea players who participated in the World Cup semi-finals and final.

"William requested extra time off following the World Cup but was informed he should still report to Los Angeles on the date previously agreed with him. He did not report and further action will now be considered by the club as a consequence.

"Pre-season training and the tour is about building team spirit among our squad and extra leave is only granted for valid football-related reasons.

"Discussions between Chelsea and William about a new contract are already well documented and ongoing. He has one year left on his current contract."

Gallas stated earlier in the summer that he wanted to move on from Stamford Bridge and it remains to be seen if he will figure in Jose Mourinho's plans in the new term.
skysports

This post has been edited by mishale: Aug 1 2006, 08:35 PM

[Portman]

William Gallas's agent has dismissed reports of a rift between his player and Chelsea and insists the defender will be back at training within the next two days.

The French international asked to leave Stamford Bridge earlier in the summer and was persistently linked with a move to Milan or Arsenal, but boss Jose Mourinho has been adamant that his full back would not be sold.

An official statement on ChelseaTV released by the Premiership champions stated that the player could face disciplinary action for failing to make the agreed date on The Blues' pre-season tour of America.

They confirmed that the player had asked for extra recovery time after taking part in the World Cup finals, but that he was still expected to meet up with the squad in Los Angeles earlier this week.

But Gallas' agent Pierre Frelot now claims the player had a valid reason for the no-show.

"William Gallas took a few more days off because he was exhausted after the World Cup," he told Sky Sports News in a statement.

"He has been staying with his family in Guadeloupe and will be back in training tomorrow or Friday."

It remains to be seen what action the club now take against the player ahead of the next pre-season friendly against an MLS All-Stars team on Saturday night.

SkySports.com

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