Chelsea and PSG Hit by Injury Crisis Ahead of Club World Cup Final – Four Ruled Out, Hakimi a Game-Time Decision
In a dramatic twist ahead of the highly anticipated FIFA Club World Cup final, both Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have suffered significant last-minute injury setbacks that could reshape the narrative of the tournament’s showpiece event. What was billed as a star-studded clash between two of Europe’s powerhouses has now become a high-stakes test of tactical depth and resilience.
Chelsea Dealt Quartet Blow
Fresh off their hard-fought semifinal win over Fluminense, Chelsea will be without four key players: Reece James, Christopher Nkunku, Marc Cucurella, and Wesley Fofana. The quartet’s absence—confirmed just hours before kick-off—comes as a massive blow to head coach Enzo Maresca, who had been hoping to field close to a full-strength side in his first major final with the club.
- James, plagued by recurring hamstring issues, suffered another setback during training.
- Nkunku has failed to recover fully from a lingering knee problem.
- Fofana and Cucurella remain sidelined with long-term injuries and were never in contention.
Maresca addressed the media with a measured but somber tone:
“It’s heartbreaking to lose players of this caliber right before such an important game. But we’ll adapt. That’s what champions do.”
PSG Sweat on Hakimi as Vitinha Ruled Out
Paris Saint-Germain are grappling with their own injury concerns. Midfield dynamo Vitinha has officially been ruled out due to a muscle strain sustained during their semifinal victory over Real Madrid. Meanwhile, star full-back Achraf Hakimi faces a race against time to prove his fitness after picking up a knock late in that same match.
According to sources within the PSG camp, Hakimi is considered “50/50” to feature, with a final assessment expected just before kick-off. Head coach Luis Enrique acknowledged the uncertainty:
“We’re prepared for all outcomes, but of course we hope Hakimi will be ready. His presence gives us a different edge on that right flank.”
Tactical Implications: Depth vs. Disruption
These late developments have significantly altered the complexion of the final. With key creative and defensive assets missing on both sides, much will now depend on squad depth, tactical adaptability, and the ability of fringe players to step up under pressure.
For Chelsea, the absence of Reece James removes a major outlet of width and leadership from the backline, while Nkunku’s creativity in tight spaces will be sorely missed. PSG’s midfield will be less dynamic without Vitinha, and the potential loss of Hakimi threatens their balance in both defense and attack.
The Final: A Test of Character
What was once projected as a blockbuster showdown between two of Europe’s most star-studded sides has quickly morphed into a gritty battle of attrition. Both clubs are now forced to lean on resilience and resourcefulness—qualities that often define champions more than pure talent.
With kickoff imminent, one thing is clear: this will be a final remembered not just for the names on the pitch, but for how the teams responded when tested to their limits.
History is on the line. But it will be made in ways no one quite expected.
