Warriors hopeful Shim Mheuka has been handed another opportunity to impress new Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso after being included in the club’s plans for pre-season.

According to BBC Sport, the 18-year-old striker is among a group of academy players who could be involved in Chelsea’s pre-season tour of Australasia, where Alonso will begin working with his squad following his appointment as the club’s new manager.

Mheuka, who is eligible to represent Zimbabwe through his parents, made his senior Chelsea debut during the 2024/25 season and has since been regarded as one of the club’s brightest academy prospects. He has already featured for the Blues’ first team in both domestic and European competitions.

BBC Sport reports that Mheuka, alongside midfielder Reggie Walsh, could be given minutes during the tour as Alonso assesses the club’s young talent ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. While no guarantees have been made over first-team places, their inclusion suggests the new coach is keen to closely evaluate Chelsea’s academy graduates before making decisions on the squad.

Alonso officially began his tenure this week, with Chelsea using the trip to prepare for the new Premier League season.