Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti insists Ashley Cole will be at the club next season and dismissed speculation the Blues would move for Fernando Torres.Defender Cole has been linked to Real Madrid but Ancelotti said: "Cole will be important for us next season. 100%."
The Italian also ruled out a move for Liverpool's Torres by claiming there are already enough strikers at Chelsea.
Michael Essien, meanwhile, scored the only goal of the game on his comeback from a knee injury at Crystal Palace.
Cole, 29, did not play in the friendly match as he is still on holiday after the World Cup in South Africa.
But in his absence the former Arsenal player has been associated with a move to join former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho at the Bernabeu, not least because of his split from his wife Cheryl Cole.
Ancelotti stated he had not spoken to the England left-back about his future, but said he had no need to.
"I didn't speak with him, I don't need to speak with him and he doesn't need to speak to me," he said.
The former AC Milan boss also quashed suggestions that he would be making a move for Spanish front man Torres.
606: DEBATE
Twas a nice goal and a good performance from him (as usual)
mary poppins
"I don't think we need other strikers," he said. "Nothing has changed because in the next days we have Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka and Salomon Kalou back and we have Daniel Sturridge."
Despite the narrow victory at Crystal Palace, the return of Essien was a boost for Chelsea as he has been absent since January with a knee ligament problem.
The 27-year-old midfielder, who missed Ghana's 2010 World Cup campaign in South Africa, struck on the hour with left-foot shot from the edge of the area and was immediately substituted.
"Everything is good and there is no reaction from the training, so things are looking good for me," said Essien after the friendly.
Ancelotti added: "It was an important return, he came back very well and played very well.
"He is a fantastic player, we missed him last season and we hope he can do the best for this season."
Despite missing the majority of his big names, who, like Cole, are taking a break following the World Cup, Ancelotti could reflect on a positive afternoon's work against the Championship side at Selhurst Park.
Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel also returned to action after recovering from the minor knee surgery in May, which also ruled him out of the World Cup.
Goalkeeper Petr Cech and defender Alex were the only other first-team players to feature in a squad predominantly made up of reserves and youth team players, including 15-year-old Nathaniel Chalobah, who is part of England's under-17 team.
Last season's Double winners continue their preparations for the defence of their Premier League title and the FA Cup next Friday against Ajax in Amsterdam.
The Blues then conclude their pre-season plans with two fixtures in Germany, taking on Eintracht Frankfurt on 1 August followed by a trip to Hamburg three days later.
The west Londoners play Manchester United in the FA Community Shield on 8 August and kick off their league season at home to West Bromwich Albion on 14 August.