Chelsea are just three games away from winning the Club World Cup, and have already been tested to their limits in the competition.
The Blues have dealt with all sorts of weather problems, including a two-hour delay to their quarter-final against Benfica that left Cole Palmer bemused.
However, Enzo Maresca’s side have set themselves up for a quarter-final tie with Estevao Willian’s Palmeiras side at the weekend.
And the Blues are likely to have a new player at their disposal. Joao Pedro is set to join Chelsea, with him eligible to compete in the Club World Cup, unlike Jamie Gittens.
Despite finishing second in their group, Chelsea were handed the easier side of the draw on paper, avoiding the likes of PSG, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
Thiago Silva looks on after FC Internazionale Milano v Fluminense FC: Round Of 16 - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Jared C. Tilton – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Chelsea handed boost to Club World Cup chances by Thiago Silva
One of their biggest rivals on their route to the final was Inter Milan, however they have now been dumped out of the competition by Thiago Silva’s Fluminense.
The Champions League finalists were one of the favourites to win the tournament, however couldn’t break down a defence marshalled by the former Chelsea man.
Chelsea fans were stunned at how good Silva was in their opening game of the tournament, and he has now led his side one step closer to a reunion with the Blues.
MORE CHELSEA STORIES
Manchester City remain a problem for any side on that side of the draw, however Chelsea will see that as a great test of where they are right now going into the new Premier League season if they meet them in the semi-finals.
Thiago Silva celebrates after FC Internazionale Milano v Fluminense FC: Round Of 16 - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Steph Chambers – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Thiago Silva’s brilliant performance vs Inter Milan
Despite now being in his 40s, Silva absolutely dominated as part of a back three who kept another clean sheet in the Club World Cup.
Thiago Silva performance vs Inter Milan Total
Minutes 90
Defensive actions 13
Duels won 3/4
Clearances 8
Pass Accuracy (%) 82
Chances Created 1
Silva would be up against a number of familiar faces if they were to reach the same stage as Chelsea in this competition, after he left the club in 2024.
Silva has already faced Carney Chukwuemeka, featuring for loan side Borussia Dortmund, with them set to take on Monterrey in their own Round of 16 tie.