Chelsea Hit with Double Suspension Blow as Maresca Prepares for Club World Cup Clash vs Fluminense
SEO-Optimized Story Rewrite (By SpringnewsNG Media Limited, July 8, 2025 | Written by Myra Okafor):
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca will be without two key players—Levi Colwill and Liam Delap—when the Blues take on Fluminense in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup semi-final on Tuesday night.
The English duo will miss the high-stakes fixture after each picked up a second yellow card during Chelsea’s 2-1 quarter-final victory over Palmeiras, triggering an automatic suspension under tournament rules.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Maresca acknowledged the setback but assured fans that the squad has enough depth to adapt. He confirmed that new signing Joao Pedro is expected to step in for Delap up front, amid ongoing speculation about Nicolas Jackson’s uncertain future at the club.
“Now with Levi and Liam out, we’ll find different solutions,” Maresca stated.
“Joao Pedro is ready, and we also have Nico. For sure, we’ll find a solution.”
Maresca went further to highlight the tactical flexibility that Joao Pedro brings to the Chelsea attack.
“I think Joao can play in all the attacking positions for Chelsea, and that is the difference with Nico. I see Nico as just a number 9, but Joao fits into multiple roles.”
The absence of Colwill, a defensive mainstay, and Delap, who has been a key figure in the attack, is a significant blow for Chelsea as they prepare to face Brazilian giants Fluminense, led by veteran defender Thiago Silva.
Chelsea will need to dig deep and rely on their squad depth as they chase a spot in the Club World Cup final, scheduled to take place on Sunday at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA.
Written by Myra Okafor
For SpringnewsNG Media Limited
Contact: +2347039490464 | Date: July 8, 2025
