Chelsea cruised to a 2-0 victory over Brazilian side Fluminense on Tuesday evening, but concerns have been raised over the fitness of one key player who hobbled off the field and could be a doubt for the final on Sunday.
Blues debutant Joao Pedro stole the limelight at the MetLife Stadium in New York on the night, scoring two stunning efforts to send his new employers through against his former side.
The 23-year-old came through the ranks at Fluminense and refused to celebrate out of respect for his former team.
Chelsea started with a strong midfield three of Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo, a trio that could give any midfield in the world a run for their money, but it was the latter who was spotted hobbling after the match.
Moises Caicedo appeared to twist his ankle during the match
Reuters
The 23-year-old, who joined for a then-record Premier League fee of £115million from Brighton in 2023, has been an ever-present for Enzo Maresca’s side this season.
The Ecuadorian featured in all 38 Premier League games for the Blues, racking up over 4,000 minutes in the centre of midfield and filling in at right-back when the club have suffered injuries to Malo Gusto and Reece James.
After the match, boss Maresca addressed his concerns over Caicedo’s fitness, hoping that he can make a full return by Sunday’s final.
JUST IN: Cam Norrie sends classy message to Carlos Alcaraz after Wimbledon quarter-final exit
Boss Enzo Maresca will be hoping his star player can make it back to fitness in time for the final
Reuters
He said: "I told Caicedo he has to do everything to be on the pitch on Sunday.
"We will see."
Chelsea are famed for having a large squad, so replacing Caicedo would not be a problem, with the likes of Keirnan Dewsbury-Hall and Andrey Santos waiting in the wings.
READ MORE: BBC commentator astonished by Sue Barker treatment after tennis icon made Wimbledon return
But losing a player of his quality would be a real concern for Maresca ahead of the crucial final.
Caicedo won Chelsea’s Player of the Season and Player’s Player of the Season at the Blues’ annual awards this year, testifying just how important he has been to the side.
After Tuesday’s victory, the Blues will now face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday’s Club World Cup final.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Independent Football Regulator set to be established after whopping MP support
- Wales team bus involved in crash on way to training as FAW make statement
- FIFA take drastic step to solidify Donald Trump relationship
The Ecuadorian scooped up both Chelsea’s Player of the Season and Player’s Player of the Season at the Blues’ annual awards this year
Getty
Both sides possess a real threat, with the Spanish giants adding Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen and manager Xabi Alonso to their ranks, while Paris Saint-Germain reigned supreme in Europe this year.
The Blues have already earned an astonishing £80million from the tournament so far, paying off the transfer fees of both Pedro and Liam Delap, both of whom have scored during their Club World Cup campaign.
However, with the side not able to return to the UK until next week, the question remains about their pre-season and, ultimately, next year.
Many teams, including Liverpool and Manchester United, returned to pre-season training this week after their players had six weeks' rest and look to start their friendly campaign ahead of the start of the Premier League on August 15.
Chelsea will have to squeeze time off for the players and a short pre-season campaign in order to gear them up for another gruelling Premier League season, in which they look to secure Champions League qualification for the second successive season.
Most Read
