Guiu looks set to link up with the Spain youngstersGuiu looks set to link up with the Spain youngsters
Guiu looks set to link up with the Spain youngsters | Getty Images
All the latest injury news concerning Chelsea as they start preparations for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
Chelsea are now just over two weeks away from kicking off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign in the United States. The Blues take on León on June 16, facing Flamengo four days later and Espérance Sportive de Tunis five days after that.
Enzo Maresca’s men enjoyed a superb end to the season, securing Champions League qualification and a Conference League title, and they will want to make another statement in the US. Ahead of their trip to the States, some Chelsea stars will have time off, while others will be in international action up to and including June 10. The under-19s and under-21s European Championships also take place this summer, and it’s worth noting that players competing in those competitions cannot play at the Club World Cup.
Chelsea currently have one player at risk of missing out because of those competitions, and if they do complete a deal sign Liam Delap, the striker will also have a decision to make on that front, expected to lead England’s under-21s. Here we take a look at the players who could be unavailable to Chelsea Stateside this summer.
Wesley Fofana - Out
Fofana will not return for the Club World Cup, with Maresca having said: “Unfortunately, Wes will be out for the rest of the season.” The defender is not expected to be back in full training until some time in July.
Omari Kellyman - Doubt
Kellyman confirmed he would miss the end of the season, writing on social media: “Beyond gutted to say that this season has come to an early end for me due to a re-injury of my hamstring. 24-25 has been a tough season for me mentally and physically due to injury, but it’s important now that I take time to get this right.” The youngster missed almost all of the season through injury, but his return was set for June. It remains to be seen whether he will be involved in the travelling squad. The Blues may feel as though Kellyman is best served by taking a few weeks off and fully recovering.
Christopher Nkunku - Fit
Nkunku struggled with injury in the final weeks of the season, but he was deemed fit enough to make the bench for the Conference League final. There shouldn’t be any issues with his return for the Club World Cup, unless he is involved in early transfer action in the early window.
Aaron Anselmino - Out
Anselmino has a hamstring injury that is expected to keep him out until some time in July. He almost certainly will not be involved in this competition.
Mykhailo Mudryk - Out (Suspended)
Mudryk remains out due to a suspension over alleged consumption of a banned substance. Maresca has said: “The only thing I can say is that we are close to Mykhailo as a club, and we are trying to help him. In terms of an update, I don't have one.”
Marc Guiu - Doubt
Guiu is not injured, but he has been called up as part of Spain’s extended squad for the European Under-19 Championship in Romania. If he makes the final squad, he will not be able to play in the Club World Cup even if Spain duck out early.
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