Chelsea’s head coach, Enzo Maresca, has provided an update on Joao Pedro’s status for the upcoming Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras at Lincoln Financial Field this Friday.
The Brazilian forward transitioned to Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion in a hefty £60 million transfer and has been included in the squad during the tournament’s second registration window.
As Chelsea prepares for this significant match in Philadelphia, Maresca suggested that the 23-year-old, who interrupted his summer holiday to join the team in the United States, might be available for selection.
“Joao’s situation is a bit unusual because he was on holiday,” Maresca informed reporters.
“Even if he was doing some training on his own, it’s not the same as being part of a team.
“However, we are very pleased with Joao. He has worked with us for the past couple of days, and we’ll see if he is needed (on Friday). If we have the chance to give him some minutes, we will.”
Pedro, a versatile attacking player who can either spearhead the attack or function as a shadow striker, infuses Brazilian creativity and solid Premier League experience into the Chelsea squad, having excelled at clubs like Fluminense, Watford, and most recently Brighton.
With a tally of 22 goals and 10 assists from 89 appearances in the English top division, he is poised to make a significant impact.
He remarked: “I grew up watching the Premier League, and Chelsea is a club renowned for winning trophies. So, when you sign for Chelsea, your only thought has to be about winning trophies. In every competition, the mindset has to be: ‘I play for Chelsea, and that’s my goal’.”
In other news, Maresca disclosed that a final assessment of Romeo Lavia’s fitness will be conducted closer to kick-off, determining his availability against Abel Ferreira’s squad.
“Regarding Romeo, we’re unsure if he will be fit. We’ll evaluate him today. He experienced some minor issues towards the end of the last match against Benfica, just a muscle concern,” he elaborated.
“As I mentioned, we’ll see if he’s fit on Friday. If not, we’ll need to explore alternative solutions, especially since Moi (Caicedo) is also suspended.”
Prior to his injury, the Belgian international had featured in all four of Chelsea’s matches in the United States.
During Chelsea’s Round of 16 win over Benfica, Maresca adjusted Cole Palmer’s role, positioning the young Englishman on the left flank instead of his usual spot behind the striker.
Maresca clarified that this is a role Palmer has experience with, believing it does not diminish his overall impact on the field.
“Indeed, Cole can operate on either wing. He played on the left against Benfica,” Maresca pointed out.
“Previously, he played on the right side. He simply switched flanks. Throughout the season, he has played various matches on the left. I recall a home game against Newcastle where he played on the left wing.
“Against Benfica, he started wider and then moved inwards. Cole’s position remains consistent with what he has been playing all season; the only difference is the side on which he operated.”
Historically, English and Brazilian clubs have faced off seven times in the FIFA Club World Cup, with English sides clinching victory in four of those encounters compared to three wins for Brazilian teams.
Prior to this tournament, English teams had celebrated three successive victories, until Flamengo dashed Chelsea’s hopes with a 3-1 defeat during the group stage.
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Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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