Chelsea Dealt Double Blow Ahead of Club World Cup Final vs PSG
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Romeo Lavia and Noni Madueke will miss the Club World Cup final due to injuries, casting a shadow over the Blues’ title hopes against a dominant PSG side chasing a historic sextuple.
Lavia, key to Chelsea’s pressing system, suffered a recurring hamstring issue in the semi-final against Fluminense. Meanwhile, Madueke, who provided pace and width, is sidelined with a knee injury sustained versus Palmeiras.
Their absence forces a tactical rethink. Moises Caicedo, returning from an ankle scare, is expected to join Enzo Fernandez in midfield, while Cole Palmer may move to the right to cover Madueke. Joao Pedro and Pedro Neto will spearhead the attack, but Chelsea will face a significant test against a PSG team that has scored 16 goals and conceded just once in the tournament.
Maresca called the injuries “big losses” but remained resolute: “We’ll need to adapt quickly against a team like PSG.”
Levi Colwill and Liam Delap return from suspension, providing some depth, but PSG’s relentless trio—Dembele, Kvaratskhelia, and Doue—alongside a midfield led by Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz, will be difficult to contain.
With $40 million on the line, fan sentiment is mixed—disappointment over the injuries, but belief in Maresca’s strategic preparation and Chelsea’s resilient run to the final, which included wins over Benfica, Palmeiras, and Fluminense.
Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. ET, with global eyes watching to see if Chelsea can defy the odds and lift their second Club World Cup trophy.
