No-show could see Gallas leave Blues

WILLIAM GALLAS faces a club fine and could be on his way out of Chelsea after he stayed on holiday instead of turning up for training in Los Angeles.

Gallas, who was due in America on Monday, has now been told he faces disciplinary action and warned not to turn up for the rest of Chelsea’s preseason training camp in the United States.

He will miss Saturday’s game against the MLS Allstars in Chicago and although his agent claims it was down to a “misunderstanding”, Chelsea are angry at his behaviour.

They have threatened disciplinary action but cannot go too hard on the French defender because they are trying to persuade him to sign a new four-year contract at Stamford Bridge, worth £70,000 (€103,000) a week.

Only three months ago, the 28-year-old insisted he had made a “definitive” decision to leave Chelsea following an approach from AC Milan, and it is only the match-fixing scandal in Italy that put an end to it.

Now, however, the situation is coming to the boil once more and Gallas could be on his way.

A Chelsea statement said: “William Gallas will not be joining up with Chelsea for the preseason tour of the United States. 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 as a consequence.

“Preseason 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 are ongoing. He has one year left on his current contract.”

The Frenchman’s agent, Pierre Frelot, has attempted to play down the row but refused to confirm that he would stay at Chelsea.

He said: “It’s true he hasn’t turned up for training yet, but that is because of the World Cup. He needed a little bit more rest than was first forecast by the club. There was a misunderstanding but he will be back from holiday by the end of the week. I am waiting to speak to him.

“At present he’s still got a year on his current deal so is still a Chelsea player. He should be back on Friday, but I will meet with him to discuss his future.”