Chelsea £60m Joao Pedro Expected to Start Club World Cup Semi vs Fluminense

Chelsea's new signing João Pedro, acquired from Brighton for £60 million, is poised to start in the Club World Cup semi-final against Fluminense following Liam Delap's suspension. Despite joining the squad immediately after a holiday in Brazil, Pedro maintained his fitness with a personal trainer and impressed in his substitute appearance during the quarter-final win over Palmeiras. Manager Enzo Maresca praised Pedro's sharpness and versatility, noting his strong chemistry with teammates Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling, and Pedro's physical and intelligent play has elevated him above Nicolas Jackson in the forward lineup. João Pedro expressed emotional significance in facing his boyhood club Fluminense, emphasizing his focus on Chelsea's success. The upcoming match will test Chelsea against a strong Fluminense side led by former Chelsea star Thiago Silva. Pedro's early impact and work ethic suggest he could become a central figure in Chelsea's attack under Maresca, who aims to reach his first Club World Cup final with the club.