Enzo Maresca will be forced into changes for Chelsea’s Club World Cup quarter-final showdown against Palmeiras
Chelsea Football Newsletter
The Brazilian trained with his new teammates on Wednesday but is likely to have to settle for a place on the bench as fellow summer signing Liam Delap is expected to lead the line once again.
This is despite Nicolas Jackson being available for selection after serving a two-match ban for his red card in the group stage loss to Flamengo - Chelsea’s only loss in the tournament so far.
Therefore, Enzo Maresca could opt for the same attack that started the round of 16 win against Benfica with Pedro Neto and Cole Palmer offering support to Delap from the flanks.
However, there is a decision to make regarding Enzo Fernandez’s role against the Brazilians.
As Moises Caicedo is absent due to suspension after he picking up his second yellow card of the tournament in the extra-time win over Benfica, the Argentine could drop deeper alongside Romeo Lavia which would allow for an attacking midfielder to start.
Enzo Maresca must pick a Chelsea team without the suspended Moises Caicedo
Alternatively, Maresca could keep Fernandez high up and turn to captain Reece James in central midfield like he has done previously.
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In defence, Benoit Badiashile limped off against Benfica and was later spotted on crutches, making him a major doubt for the quarter-final showdown with Trevoh Chalobah on standby to partner Levi Colwill.