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

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·7 juillet 2025

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

Blues boss faces a selection dilemma for the Club World Cup semi-final

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

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Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has the option to hand a full debut to new signing Joao Pedro in their Club World Cup semi-final against Fluminense on Tuesday.

The Blues come up against their former defender Thiago Silva when they face the Brazilian side in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Joao Pedro came off the bench in the previous round against Palmeiras to make his Chelsea debut but could earn a first start if named in Maresca’s line-up 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-final win over Palmeiras.

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

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.

Reece James and Romeo Lavia have slight niggles but are both available and expected to feature in some capacity.

Reece James pulled out of the Chelsea XI just before kick-off against Palmeiras

AFP via Getty Images

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.

Maresca should provide the latest team news when he holds his press conference the day before the game on Monday evening.

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

Doubts: James, Lavia

Injured: Badiashile

Suspended: Delap, Colwill

Ineligible: Gittens, Estevao

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

Venue: MetLife Stadium, United States.