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.
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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.
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
