Chelsea have said nothing about any potential pre season friendlies, although it is thought that we will be taking on Cagliari at Stamford Bridge- allowing the fans to give Gianfranco Zola a proper send off!

But any friendly with Russian opposition will surely be looked upon cynically by the rest of the world, especially seeing as there have been regular calls for Abramovich's dealings in his homeland to be investigated.

Lokomotiv coach Yuri Semin claimed: "It would be good if this game is played at the stadium in Moscow.

"Chelsea's visit to Moscow would be a good present for Russian supporters and I think that this decision is right and opportune."

A trip to Russia hardly sounds like appropriate preparation for a new season...