NEW JERSEY — Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca says his team is ready to adapt and fight for victory despite hot and humid conditions ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup semi-final against Brazilian side Fluminense on Tuesday.
The match, scheduled for 3:00 pm local time (1900 GMT) at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, comes amid soaring summer temperatures in the United States. Similar conditions slowed the pace of Real Madrid’s recent quarter-final win over Borussia Dortmund at the same venue.
“I don’t think it’s just tomorrow’s game,” Maresca told reporters on Monday. “We’ve already played in different conditions. The game is at 3pm, so all we can do is adapt and try to win.”
Chelsea will be without striker Liam Delap and defender Levi Colwill, both suspended for the clash. Midfielder Romeo Lavia is also unavailable due to injury. However, Maresca can count on the return of Moises Caicedo, who missed the previous match against Palmeiras through suspension. Nicolas Jackson, who served a one-match ban for a red card against Flamengo, is eligible again, while new signing Joao Pedro is in contention for a starting role.
The fixture will be Chelsea’s third against Brazilian opposition in the tournament. The Blues lost to Flamengo in the group stage but bounced back with a victory over Palmeiras in the quarter-finals.
“They [Fluminense] have a very good and experienced coach. They have lots of experienced players and a clear style,” Maresca said. “Any game at this stage of the tournament will be difficult.”
Fluminense, captained by 40-year-old former Chelsea defender Thiago Silva, are the only non-European side left in the competition. Head coach Renato Portaluppi said his team is embracing the underdog role as they aim to reach the final.
“We are here to make history,” said Portaluppi. “We are up against powerful opponents with a financial advantage, but football is decided on the pitch. That’s what we must remember.”
The Brazilian side, winners of the 2023 Copa Libertadores, have impressed en route to the last four — drawing with Borussia Dortmund, defeating Inter Milan, and knocking out Al-Hilal.
Portaluppi described Fluminense as the “ugly duckling” of the tournament due to their significantly smaller budget compared to Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain.
“Fluminense’s finances do not make 10 percent of those of the other clubs,” he admitted. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t reach the final or even win the Club World Cup.”
With high temperatures expected and both teams eyeing a place in the final, the semi-final promises a clash of grit, strategy, and ambition under the New Jersey sun.
