Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca provided an unsettling update on midfielder Moisés Caicedo following his injury during the Club World Cup semifinal against Fluminense on March 12, 2024. The reigning Player of the Year sustained the injury while awkwardly landing on his left ankle in the closing moments of Chelsea’s 2–0 victory. Caicedo, visibly in pain, received treatment on the pitch before attempting to continue but ultimately had to leave the field.
“He felt he could try even though I told him we could play with 10 players,” Maresca stated in the aftermath of the match at MetLife Stadium. “He tried and felt pain. So hopefully he can be fit for Sunday.”
Such optimism is crucial, as Caicedo’s potential replacement, Darío Essugo, is also out for the remainder of the tournament due to fitness issues. Roméo Lavia was another absence for Chelsea, missing the semifinal due to injury.
Despite the injury concerns, Chelsea celebrated a triumphant win, highlighted by João Pedro‘s impressive brace that marked his full debut against his former club. The victory secures Chelsea’s spot in the final, where they will face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain.
“We are very happy, very proud to play the final on Sunday,” Maresca remarked. “The reason why is because this is the first edition of the Club World Cup. The best clubs in the world are here. For us to be in the final is something to be proud of.”
Chelsea’s journey in the tournament has been relatively smooth. The team has yet to encounter an opponent from one of Europe’s top five leagues, achieving victories over LAFC and ES Tunis in the group stage. Their only challenge has been Benfica, the only side ranked within Opta’s top 60 clubs that Chelsea has faced.
As the team prepares for the final, the spotlight remains on Caicedo’s recovery, with hopes high that he will be fit to contribute in this prestigious match on March 17, 2024. The Blues’ success thus far underscores the resilience and determination of the squad, alongside the challenges posed by injuries in the high-stakes world of football.
