After securing Champions League qualification with a fourth-place finish in the Premier League and winning the Conference League title against Real Betis, the Blues are now preparing for their campaign in the United States. ..Continue Reading
They will face Leon, Flamengo, and ES Tunis in the group stage, with key players like Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, and Enzo Fernandez included in the squad.
However, manager Enzo Maresca has decided to exclude several players, including Kendry Paez, who joined Chelsea from Independiente del Valle in 2023.
Although Paez was eligible to integrate into the squad this summer, the club opted for a last-minute change, reportedly planning to send him on loan to Strasbourg to help him adapt to European football.
The young Ecuadorian midfielder is said to be disappointed by the decision, as he had expected to be part of the Club World Cup squad.
Paez is not the only player left out—Raheem Sterling, Joao Felix, Axel Disasi, and Djordje Petrovic have also been omitted.
Petrovic’s exclusion is particularly surprising, given his strong performances on loan at Strasbourg and Chelsea’s unsuccessful attempt to sign Mike Maignan as a reinforcement in goal.
Despite the demanding schedule, Maresca remains optimistic about Chelsea’s participation in the tournament and the opportunity to compete on the global stage.
“I’m happy [to be there] especially because it’s a tournament that brings together the top 32 teams in the world. So, it’s very exciting to take part in such a huge competition,” he told DAZN.
“You also have the opportunity to face other top coaches and some world-class teams. We were there – in North America – last summer, and it was great. There were so many fans there, and it will be another opportunity for them to come and watch us and for us to meet them. So, there’s no doubt it will be a great occasion.”
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