awardman
Chelsea are set to kick off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign against LAFC with several new faces ready to make their debuts.
After securing Champions League qualification and winning the Europa Conference League in Enzo Maresca’s first season in charge, the Blues are eyeing more silverware in this revamped tournament taking place across the United States.
Chelsea have brought a strong squad to the U.S., including summer signings Liam Delap, Mamadou Sarr, and Dario Essugo, who will all be eager to make an early impression. Andrey Santos is also part of the team, coming off a successful loan at Strasbourg.
Delap, signed for £30 million from Ipswich Town, could start up front ahead of Nicolas Jackson, who recently featured for Senegal in a 3-1 win over England.
Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah also played a full 90 minutes in that match, and Maresca may consider rotation depending on player fatigue.
Noni Madueke, Enzo Fernandez, and Marc Cucurella are among those who could be rested after international duty, though Maresca will want to start the tournament strongly.
Wesley Fofana remains sidelined with injury, and several big names are absent from the squad altogether, a likely sign they’re not in Maresca’s future plans. These include Joao Felix, Raheem Sterling, Djordje Petrovic, and Axel Disasi, all returning from loan spells.
On the opposing side, LAFC will feature some familiar faces, including former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud, who spent three seasons at Stamford Bridge.
Sanchez, James, Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Neto, Palmer, Madueke, Delap.
