“Situation is a bit strange” – Enzo Maresca drops team news hint for Palmeiras clash | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has revealed new signing Joao Pedro could make his debut against Palmerias on Friday night in the Club World Cup.

Chelsea beat Benfica 4-1 in a crazy game in the last 16 which was delayed for nearly two hours due to adverse weather conditions.

The Blues will be hoping for a more straight forward task this time round, and will be coming up against Estevao Willian who is joining after the Club World Cup.

Joao Pedro could make debut against Palmeiras

Chelsea are already without the suspended Moises Caicedo, whilst Nicolas Jackson is available following his two game ban for a red card against Flamengo in the group stage.

The Blues could have further issues in midfield after Maresca revealed he was unsure if Romeo Lavia would be fit.

Pedro could make his debut against Palmeiras. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)

However, Maresca did confirm Brazil international Pedro could make his debut despite only having a couple of training sessions with the team.

“Joao situation is a bit strange because he was on holiday, even if he was working, we will see if we need him tomorrow and if we need to give him some minutes, we will give him some minutes,” he told his pre-match press conference.

Chelsea officially announced the signing of Pedro earlier this week, after the Blues agreed a deal worth up to £60m for the 23-year-old.

Pedro, who scored ten Premier League goals last season can cover multiple positions in attack and will wear the number 20 shirt at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca faces midfield conundrum

Whilst Pedro could make his debut, Maresca has a conundrum to solve in midfield given the absence of Caicedo and doubts over Lavia.

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Dario Essugo could replace Caicedo, with the 20-year-old signed as back-up for the Ecuador international, and he’s featured as a substitute in two of Chelsea’s Club World Cup matches.

Another option, which wouldn’t be popular with supporters would be to play Reece James in midfield, and use Malo Gusto or Josh Acheampong at right back, but it’s up to Maresca to come up with the best solution from the options he has.