There is not long to go until the Club World Cup begins, with Chelsea kicking off their campaign against Los Angeles FC next Monday.
After winning the Conference League final and finishing fourth in the Premier League, the Blues had a good season.
However, things could get even better for them if they manage to get their hands on the Club World Cup trophy.
Chelsea will travel to America without Kendry Paez, who is thought to be disappointed after being told he will not be part of the squad for the tournament.
Chelsea and Flamengo tipped to make the knockout round
The other two teams in Chelsea’s group are Flamengo and Esperance de Tunis, so Enzo Maresca‘s men will be expected to reach the knockout round.
In fact, Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker and Micah Richards have all predicted Chelsea and Flamengo to qualify on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football.
The Conference League winners will have to do it with just three natural wingers, however.
With Jadon Sancho returning to Manchester United and Mykhailo Mudryk still suspended, Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto and Tyrique George are the only wide men Maresca will have available.
Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan will not think losing Sancho is much of a blow, though. Jordan discussed Sancho following news of his Chelsea exit, claiming that he did not do much during his loan spell at Stamford Bridge.
Whether Liam Delap can play at Club World Cup
Chelsea have lost a wide man, but they have at least been able to add a centre-forward to their squad following Liam Delap‘s arrival.
And the good news is Delap is available to play for Chelsea at the Club World Cup, thanks to the special transfer window FIFA put in place.
Having just signed for the club and with Nicolas Jackson scoring in the Conference League final, though, you would expect the latter to get the nod to start against Los Angeles next Monday.
