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Chelsea outcast attends opening Club World Cup game despite being banished by Enzo Maresca

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca made the decision to not select a number of big-name players for his squad to take to the Club World Cup.

Kendry Paez was left disappointed when he was not selected, however he has been spotted involved in training with the first team stars in the United States.

It was decided by Maresca that only Andrey Santos of the players who spent last season on loan would be used for this tournament, which meant there was no place in the side for Djordje Petrovic after his brilliant campaign at Strasbourg.

One player who didn’t enjoy as strong a season is Joao Felix, with the Portugal star having a rough second half of the season at AC Milan.

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Chelsea outcast Joao Felix attends Club World Cup opener

Despite not being picked in the squad to feature for the Blues, the attacker has actually travelled to the United States off the back of representing his country in their Nations League victory.

Felix posted an Instagram story showing he was in attendance for the Club World Cup’s opening game between Al Ahly and Inter Miami, which ended 0-0.

Of course, having the chance to watch Lionel Messi play live would be taken by anyone, but it remains to be seen if he will still be in attendance for any Chelsea games out there.

The likes of Axel Disasi, Ben Chilwell, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Raheem Sterling were also not taken to the United States, with the club’s stance on all of them including Felix seeming clear.

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Felix’s Chelsea career all but over

After just 12 months being back at Stamford Bridge, it looks as if there is no future for Felix in a Chelsea shirt.

Chelsea handed Dario Essugo Felix’s old shirt number following his official announcement as a new player, leaving the Portugal star without a number ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The plan is definitely to see Felix leave the club permanently, however there are limited suitors who would be willing to take him off the club’s hands.

Chelsea have reportedly considered using Felix in a swap deal with Benfica to sign either of Tomas Araujo or Antonio Silva. Both promising centre-backs.

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