By Daily Sports Nigeria on July 8, 2025

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has dismissed concerns about the searing North American heat ahead of Tuesday’s FIFA Club World Cup semi-final showdown against Brazilian side Fluminense, despite sweltering mid-afternoon conditions and notable squad absences.

The Blues will take to the field at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey at 3:00 pm local time (1900 GMT), with temperatures expected to pose a physical test. Yet, Maresca remains unfazed, insisting the team is prepared to adapt.

“I don’t think it’s just tomorrow’s game. Like other teams, we have already played in different conditions. The game is tomorrow at 3pm and so all we can do is adapt and try to win,” Maresca told reporters on Monday.

Chelsea will be without striker Liam Delap and defender Levi Colwill due to suspension, while midfielder Romeo Lavia is still unfit. However, Moises Caicedo returns from suspension, and forward Nicolas Jackson is available following his red card against Flamengo. New signing Joao Pedro is pushing for a start.

Fluminense, winners of the 2023 Copa Libertadores and captained by ex-Chelsea veteran Thiago Silva, present Chelsea’s third Brazilian opponent in the tournament after facing Flamengo and Palmeiras earlier.

“The first two were very good with lots and lots of energy. Tomorrow, no doubt, it will be exactly the same,” Maresca said.

Fluminense manager Renato Portaluppi, whose side have defied expectations to reach this stage, described the Club World Cup as an opportunity to “make history” despite his team’s financial disadvantage compared to European giants.

“We are up against powerful opponents with a financial advantage, but football is decided on the pitch. Fluminense’s finances do not make 10 percent of those of the other clubs, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get to the final or even win the Club World Cup,” said Portaluppi.

Source Punch Ng

Posted July 8, 2025

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