CWC: Maresca Unfazed by Heat as Chelsea Prepare for Semifinal Clash With Fluminense

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has brushed aside concerns over extreme heat conditions as the Blues gear up to face Brazilian side Fluminense in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final on Tuesday.

The match is set to kick off at 3:00 p.m. local time (1900 GMT) at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where soaring temperatures are expected to test the players’ endurance. Despite the sweltering afternoon heat and several key absentees, Maresca remains confident his team is ready for the challenge.

“I don’t think it’s just about tomorrow’s game. Like other teams, we’ve already played in different conditions,” Maresca told reporters during Monday’s pre-match press conference.

“The game is scheduled for 3 p.m., so all we can do is adapt and try to win.”

Squad Updates: Delap, Colwill Out; Caicedo and Jackson Return

Chelsea will be without striker Liam Delap and defender Levi Colwill, both suspended, while Romeo Lavia remains unavailable due to injury. However, the squad will be boosted by the return of Moises Caicedo from suspension, and Nicolas Jackson is cleared to play after serving a ban following his red card against Flamengo.

New signing João Pedro is also pushing for a place in the starting XI, as Maresca looks to shuffle his options ahead of what promises to be a high-tempo encounter.

Familiar Brazilian Foes for Chelsea

Fluminense will be Chelsea’s third Brazilian opponent of the tournament, following earlier clashes with Flamengo and Palmeiras. The South American champions Fluminense, who clinched the 2023 Copa Libertadores title, are captained by Thiago Silva, the former Chelsea defender making a return against his old club.

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

Fluminense Eyeing Upset and History

Fluminense manager Renato Portaluppi acknowledged the financial gulf between his side and European giants like Chelsea but maintained belief in his team’s ability to compete and potentially create history.

“We are up against powerful opponents with a financial advantage, but football is decided on the pitch,” said Portaluppi.

“Fluminense’s finances don’t even make up 10 percent of those of the other clubs, but that doesn’t mean we can’t reach the final—or even win the Club World Cup.”

Fluminense’s spirited run to the semi-final has already turned heads, and with veterans and rising stars alike, they remain intent on defying the odds.