Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has shared the latest on Romeo Lavia’s injury ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final clash against Palmeiras.
Lavia has featured in all four games for Chelsea at the Club World Cup so far, starting three. The Blues suffered a 3-1 loss to Group D opponents Flamengo in the only game he did not start.
Lavia suffered a muscular injury in Chelsea’s 4-1 win over Benfica in the Round of 16.
Chelsea Boss Enzo Maresca Issues Romeo Lavia Injury Update Ahead of Club World Cup Clash With Palmeiras
Chelsea will face Brazilian side Palmeiras in the Club World Cup quarter-finals on Friday, July 4. The Verdao have been in excellent form this tournament, winning two games and drawing the other two. They beat league rivals Botafogo 1-0 to qualify for the quarter-finals.
After Manchester City crashed out following a mockery-inducing defeat to Al Hilal, Chelsea are Premier League’s only representative at the Club World Cup. They need to put their best foot forward to overcome Palmeiras, but Enzo Maresca may be left without both his first-choice pivots. While Moises Caicedo will miss the game due to an accumulation of yellow cards, Lavia faces a late fitness test.
Romeo Lavia says he'd love to show his ability to tackle and win the ball back.
"I play next to the absolute destroyer, he does my job for me, I'm like Moi let me do a little bit, he's unbelievable".
Caicedo is like having Kante. pic.twitter.com/hOcpJ3Fhk3
— Zeno (@CFCZeno) July 2, 2025
Sharing the latest on Romeo Lavia’s injury, Maresca told the press:
“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.”
If Lavia clears the fitness test, he could pair up with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall at the base of midfield. Else, Maresca may have to use his captain, Reece James, in midfield. The Englishman played in Lavia’s position in the 3-1 defeat to Flamengo.
Enzo Maresca Hints at Joao Pedro Debut Against Palmeiras
Joao Pedro, who recently joined Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion, is eligible to play at the Club World Cup. The Brazilian has cut his holiday short to join his teammates ahead of the quarter-final meeting with Palmeiras.
At the pre-match press conference, Enzo Maresca suggested Pedro could get a few minutes in Friday’s quarter-final.
Beach to the Bridge. Joao Pedro is here! 🏖️ pic.twitter.com/wT3RUNLnUS
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 2, 2025
“He was on holiday, and even if he was working, it’s not the same working by yourself compared to working with the team,” said Maresca.
“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.”
If Chelsea beat Palmeiras in the quarter-finals, they will square off either against Fluminense or Al Hilal in the semi-final.
