Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Dom Smith

Chelsea XI vs Fluminense: Starting lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Club World Cup semi-final

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has named his team to face Fluminense at the Club World Cup - (ES Composite)

Joao Pedro makes his full Chelsea debut in tonight’s Club World Cup semi-final clash with Fluminense.

The Blues come up against their former defender Thiago Silva when they face the Brazilian side in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW FLUMINENSE VS CHELSEA LIVE!

Pedro came off the bench in the previous round against Palmeiras to make his Chelsea debut but earns a first start having been named in Enzo Maresca’s lineup from the off.

The Blues have made three changes for their match against Fluminense, with Liam Delap and Levi Colwill both suspended after picking up their second yellow cards of the tournament in the quarter-finals.

“Now with Levi and Liam out, we’re going to find a different solution,” Maresca said on Monday. “Joao is ready. We also have Nico. For sure, we’re going to find a solution.”

Benoit Badiashile suffered an injury in the round-of-16 victory over Benfica so won’t feature, meaning Tosin Adarabioyo partners Trevoh Chalobah at centre-back.

Late scratch: Reece James pulled out of the Chelsea starting XI just before kick-off against Palmeiras (AFP via Getty Images)

Reece James and Romeo Lavia have slight niggles, but while James is set to be available, Lavia will not be risked.

“Romeo is training already,” Maresca said. “But, unfortunately, he’s not training with us. So he’s not ready for tomorrow.”

Andrey Santos started in midfield against Palmeiras but makes way now that Moises Caicedo is back from suspension.

CONFIRMED TEAM NEWS

Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Pedro Neto, Nkunku, Palmer; Joao Pedro

Subs: Jorgensen, Penders, Slonina, Acheampong, James, Sarr, Anselmino, Andrey Santos, Dewsbury-Hall, George, Madueke, Jackson, Guiu

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.