The Club World Cup has not yet given the opportunities for the young players in the Chelsea squad that many were hoping for up to now.
The Blues’ 3-1 defeat to Flamengo has made their final group game against ES Tunice crucial if they want to progress and set up a Round of 16 tie against Bayern Munich.
This will probably see Andrey Santos’ wait for his first competitive Chelsea start continue, while Tyrique George won’t get his much-deserved start at the Club World Cup.
However, Enzo Maresca is considering mass rotation in this tournament due to the extreme conditions facing his players. Chelsea have been warned of a ‘Heat Health Emergency’ before their next game in Philadelphia.
Enzo Maresca during a Chelsea FC Training Session And Press Conference - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Mike Penders has a ‘good chance’ at being a Chelsea first team player next season
Another young player who is with the squad is Mike Penders, however both games so far have seen Robert Sanchez between the sticks.
There is currently no real clarity over the goalkeeper position going into next season. Both Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic have been told they can leave.
Transfer insider Graeme Bailey has exclusively told The Chelsea Chronicle that he believes Penders now becomes the number two goalkeeper at Stamford Bridge.
He said: “I think they’re keeping a close eye on that situation. Let’s see what happens. obviously Petrovic will go. I think there’s a chance Jorgensen might go too. He might end up at Strasbourg, more likely than Penders.
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“So, they still want a new number one. They do. Let’s not beat around the bush. They still want a new number one. And by the end of August, I think they’ll have one.
“I think there’s a good chance that he [Penders] could be number two if he doesn’t go to Strasbourg, because I don’t think Jorgensen wants to serve as number two from what I’m hearing.”
Mike Penders in action during Chelsea FC Training Session - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Penders already backing himself to succeed at Chelsea
Despite being just 19 years of age, there is already plenty of expectation that the Belgian can make an impact at a top European club. He has drawn comparisons to former Blue Thibaut Courtois.
Penders backs himself to be good enough for Chelsea, and the wavering confidence in Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen would perhaps back this up.
In an attempt to make sure they don’t fall foul of their errors which left Courtois wanting to leave the club, Chelsea do not want to loan Penders for numerous seasons, and instead allow him to grow a connection to the club.
This could see him integrated into the squad a lot earlier than many will have expected, as mass change could be coming in the goalkeeper role at Chelsea.