The start of the season is just days away but Chelsea winger Willian has been absent from training, according to British newspaper The Times.

Willian, who was a start for Brazil at the World Cup earlier this summer, has been the subject of intense interest from Barcelona, Manchester United and most recently Real Madrid, who have reportedly tabled a £65 million bid. Chelsea are thought to be holding out for £70m.

Sources close to the player have reportedly insisted that it is only a passport issue preventing his return to London, but figures inside Stamford Bridge are worried that the situation could escalate much like Diego Costa’s absence 12 months ago. Costa refused to report to pre-season training last summer after digging his heels in over a transfer back to Atletico Madrid.

The Blues are due to travel to Dublin to play Arsenal in an International Champions Cup friendly on Wednesday before the official season-opener in the Community Shield against Manchester City on Sunday.