Chelsea to complete lap of the earth BEFORE the season's even started (no wonder he looks so tired!)

Chelsea's jet-setting squad will have circumnavigated planet Earth by the time their season starts against Hull on August 18, having flown a total of 24,622 miles - just short of the world's circumference, which is commonly identified as 24,901 miles.
Jose Mourinho’s squad will on Wednesday make the 1,848 mile round-trip from their Washington DC base to Miami for the Guinness International Champions Cup Final against Real Madrid during the early hours of Thursday morning.

But that’s just a drop in the ocean compared to the total distance Chelsea have travelled on their summer global tour, that has also included stops in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Tired bunch? Jose Mourinho, Steve Holland (left) and Rui Faria have had a busy summer

 In total, the Blues will have clocked up a mammoth 24,622 air miles - just short of the world’s circumference, which is commonly identified as 24,901 miles.

Their time spent in the air has been increased by the decision to set up a permanent base in Washington DC for the duration of their trip to the States.

Rather than flying directly to the destination of their next fixture, Chelsea have flown back to DC after matches.

Tourists: Petr Cech and Hilario were among those taking a break break in Washington DC

Upbeat: Some of Chelsea's big-name players, including John Terry, Ashley Cole and Michael Essien, are enjoying their travels

Chelsea have already played Inter Milan in Indianapolis and AC Milan in New York during their stay in America.

After Thursday morning’s clash against Mourinho’s former club, Chelsea face their final pre-season clash of the summer against Roma on Saturday before returning back to London.

But the flying will not stop there for the Blues squad with the majority of them likely to be involved on international duty for matches on August 14.

Spain, who could call up Juan Mata, Fernando Torres and Cesar Azpilicueta, have a friendly in Ecuador; Brazil, who could include David Luiz and Oscar, play in Switzerland, while Belgium, who are likely to call on Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin de Bruyne, host France.

More to come? David Luiz and Juan Mata could also be whisked away on international duty