Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has downplayed concerns about the intense North American heat ahead of Tuesday’s FIFA Club World Cup semi-final against Brazilian side Fluminense, despite challenging mid-afternoon temperatures and several key absences in the squad.
The match is set to kick off at 3:00 p.m. local time (1900 GMT) at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where conditions are expected to test players physically. Still, Maresca remains confident, stating that the team is ready to adjust.
“It’s not just about tomorrow’s game. Like many teams, we’ve already played in different conditions,” Maresca told reporters on Monday. “The match is at 3 p.m., and all we can do is adapt and try to win.”
Chelsea will be without striker Liam Delap and defender Levi Colwill, both suspended, while midfielder Romeo Lavia remains sidelined with injury. On the positive side, Moises Caicedo returns from suspension, and forward Nicolas Jackson is back in the squad after serving a ban for his red card against Flamengo. New signing Joao Pedro is also pushing for a place in the starting XI.
Fluminense, captained by former Chelsea defender Thiago Silva and champions of the 2023 Copa Libertadores, will be Chelsea’s third Brazilian opponent in the tournament following clashes with Flamengo and Palmeiras.
“The first two Brazilian teams brought a lot of energy,” Maresca noted. “Tomorrow will be no different.”
Fluminense head coach Renato Portaluppi, whose side has exceeded expectations to reach the semifinals, described the Club World Cup as a chance to “make history,” despite the financial gulf between his team and top European clubs.
“We’re facing powerful opponents with far greater resources,” said Portaluppi. “Fluminense’s finances don’t even make up 10 percent of those of our rivals, but football is decided on the pitch. That doesn’t mean we can’t reach the final—or even win the Club World Cup.”
