Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed that key midfielder Romeo Lavia and winger Noni Madueke have been ruled out due to injuries, a devastating setback for the Blues as they face a PSG side chasing a historic sextuple. The absence of these pivotal players threatens to derail Chelsea’s bid for a second Club World Cup title, dampening the optimism sparked by Maresca’s earlier news of Moises Caicedo’s likely return from an ankle injury.
Lavia, a cornerstone of Chelsea’s high-pressing midfield, succumbed to a recurring hamstring injury sustained in the semi-final win over Fluminense on July 8, 2025. The 22-year-old’s absence leaves a significant gap in the engine room, where his ability to break up play and transition quickly has been vital. Madueke, meanwhile, suffered a knee injury in the quarter-final against Palmeiras, ruling him out of the final.
His pace and flair on the wing, showcased in Chelsea’s 4-1 thrashing of Benfica in the round of 16, were expected to test PSG’s defense, already weakened by the suspensions of Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez. Maresca, speaking at a pre-match press conference, expressed disappointment, stating, “Romeo and Noni are big losses. We’ll need to adapt quickly against a team like PSG.”
The injuries force Maresca to reshuffle his lineup for the 3:00 p.m. ET kickoff, with Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez likely to anchor the midfield, while Cole Palmer shifts to his preferred right-half space.
Joao Pedro, who scored twice against Fluminense, will lead the attack alongside Pedro Neto, but the lack of Lavia’s defensive cover and Madueke’s directness could expose Chelsea against PSG’s relentless attack, led by Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Desire Doue.
PSG’s midfield, driven by Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz, has been nearly untouchable, conceding just one goal in the tournament while scoring 16, including a 4-0 rout of Real Madrid in the semi-final.
Despite the setbacks, Maresca remains defiant, emphasizing Chelsea’s resilience in reaching the final through wins over Los Angeles FC, Esperance de Tunis, Benfica, Palmeiras, and Fluminense.
The return of Levi Colwill and Liam Delap from suspension provides some depth, but the Blues face a daunting task against a PSG side that has won 48 matches since the start of the 2024/25 season.
Fan reactions on social media reflect the concern, with some expressing frustration over the timing of the injuries, while others hold out hope that Maresca’s tactical acumen—described as a “chess match” approach—can exploit PSG’s high press through quick counters.
The financial stakes add pressure, with $40 million for the winner and $30 million for the runner-up, on top of the $45.625 million already earned by both finalists. Chelsea’s historical struggles against PSG, with only three wins in eight meetings, and their 2012 Club World Cup final loss to Corinthians loom large.
However, Maresca’s confidence in his squad’s adaptability and Caicedo’s return keep the dream of an upset alive, even as the absence of Lavia and Madueke leaves Chelsea fighting an uphill battle to claim global glory.
