Enzo Maresca gives update on Joao Pedro and a potential Chelsea debut ahead of Palmeiras tie
Chelsea are currently preparing for their quarter-final showdown against Palmeiras, and new signing Joao Pedro is training as part of the group.
On Saturday at the Club World Cup, the Blues take on Brazilian giants Palmeiras, with a semi-final spot at stake.
Chelsea go into the knockout tie fresh off announcing the signing of Joao Pedro from Brighton earlier this week, with the Brazilian attacker penning an eight-year deal at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea figures are confident Pedro can settle quickly and make an immediate impact for them. Will Blues head coach Enzo Maresca throw him straight into the team against Palmeiras, though?
Enzo Maresca hints at handing Joao Pedro his Chelsea debut
During his pre-match press conference for the Palmeiras match, Maresca hinted that he would be prepared to give Pedro his Chelsea debut because he’s trained with the squad for the last couple of days.
“Joao Pedro’s situation is a bit different. He was on holiday and even if he was working, it’s not the same working by yourself compared to working with the team,” Maresca said via Chelsea’s official website.
“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.”
Based on Maresca’s comments above, we would hazard a guess that Pedro could be used off the bench against Palmeiras. Unlike the rest of the Chelsea players, he’s had time off this summer and hasn’t been in competitive action.
Even though Pedro claims his best position is at striker, he’s got the versatility to play multiple attacking positions.
It will be intriguing to see where the 23-year-old attacker fits into Maresca’s plans. If he wants the centre-forward position, he may have to beat off competition from both Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson.
Romeo Lavia update ahead of Palmeiras
With Moises Caicedo suspended against Palmeiras, Chelsea fans will be desperate for midfield star Romeo Lavia to be fit and ready to play this weekend.
Maresca explained in his press conference that the Blues will make a late decision on Lavia’s fitness. He said via Chelsea’s official website: “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.”
Lavia missed Chelsea training earlier this week because of his injury problem, so we’re not too optimistic about his potential involvement on Saturday.
One potential positive is that it could open the door for Andrey Santos to play the biggest match of his Chelsea career to date.
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