Enzo Maresca says a late decision will be made over Romeo Lavia’s fitness ahead of Chelsea Club World Cup quarter-final tie against Palmeiras, while Joao Pedro could be handed minutes after signing for the Blues on Wednesday.
The Blues go head-to-head with the Brazilian giants in Philadelphia – Chelsea third game at the Lincoln Financial Field during the tournament – and a place in the final four is up for grabs.Lavia has featured in each of Chelsea four matches Stateside, but Maresca confirmed the Belgium midfielder sustained a small muscular issue in our win over Benfica, and a decision will be taken before the game on whether he is ready to feature.
‘Chelsea head coach explained. ‘We will try tomorrow. He had a small problem at the end of the last game against Benfica.’It’s just a muscle problem and tomorrow we will see if he’s fit. Otherwise we will find different solutions because Moi is also suspended. So we will need to find different solutions.’The Blues head coach also discussed the availability of Joao Pedro, with the Brazilian forward ending his summer holiday to join the squad ahead of Chelsea quarter-final clash.
‘Joao Pedro’s situation is a bit different,’ explained the Blues head coach. ‘He was on holiday and even if he was working, it’s not the same working by yourself compared to working with the team.’We are very happy with Joao in the last two days he has worked with us. We will see if we need him tomorrow and if we have the chance to give him some minutes, we will give him some minutes.’
In Chelsea victory over Benfica, the role of Cole Palmer was tweaked by Maresca, with the England international operating off the left rather than in his traditional position behind the forward.
It’s a role Palmer has previously been used in, and one that the Chelsea boss believes does not alter the 23-year-old’s role on the pitch.‘Cole can play on both sides,’ said Maresca. ‘He played against Benfica in the left pocket; he used to play in the right pocket. He just changed right to left. In many games in the season, he played in the left pocket, Newcastle at home is one I remember.’Against Benfica, he started a little wider to come inside the pocket. But Cole’s position was exactly the same as last season, the only difference was he was in the left pocket rather than the right.’
