Chelsea Defeats Palmeiras 2-1 Advances Club World Cup Semi-Final

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has provided several updates ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final match against Palmeiras. Key midfielder Moises Caicedo is suspended for the match, while Romeo Lavia is dealing with a minor muscle problem and his participation remains uncertain until a late fitness decision is made. New signing Joao Pedro, who recently joined Chelsea from Brighton, has trained with the squad and may be considered for a debut off the bench despite coming off holiday. Maresca praised the Brazilian teams' high energy and organization, acknowledging Palmeiras and semi-final opponents Fluminense as strong competitors. Chelsea advanced to the quarter-finals by defeating Benfica 4-1 and are preparing strategically, with Maresca also scouting potential final opponents like Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid. The Blues aim to leverage their improving squad cohesion and tactical flexibility to secure a place in the Club World Cup semi-finals.