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

In partnership with

Evening Standard

·08 de julho de 2025

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

Enzo Maresca could start Joao Pedro for first time in huge last-four showdown

Your matchday briefing on Chelsea, featuring team news and expert analysis from Malik Ouzia

Vídeos OneFootball

Sign up

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Joao Pedro could make 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 on Tuesday.

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

The Blues will make 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.

Nicolas Jackson was an unused substitute in that game despite being available again after his two-match ban for a red card against Flamengo in the group stage. Jackson or Pedro will be expected to lead the line in Delap’s absence. Christopher Nkunku could also play.

“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 could partner 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 could make way now that Moises Caicedo is back from suspension.

Estevao Willian and Jamie Gittens will only be available after the Club World Cup, where they have been featuring for Palmeiras and Borussia Dortmund, respectively. So neither will play against Fluminense.

Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Tosin, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Nkunku; Pedro

Doubt: James

Injured: Badiashile, Lavia

Suspended: Delap, Colwill

Ineligible: Gittens

Time and date: 8pm BST on Tuesday July 8, 2025

Venue: MetLife Stadium