Chelsea are set to receive a significant boost ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup campaign in the United States, with four key players joining the squad as they gear up for a demanding group stage.
The Blues landed in Philadelphia on Friday with a 24-man squad in preparation for their Group D fixtures. Their opening game will be against Los Angeles FC on Monday night, followed by challenging matches against Brazilian giants Flamengo and Tunisian side Esperance Sportive de Tunis.
Looking ahead to the possibility of progressing to the knockout rounds where they could face heavyweights like Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is taking no chances. To strengthen the team’s depth and quality, Maresca has called up Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Aaron Anselmino, and Andrey Santos. All four players, who were not part of the initial traveling party, will join the squad in the U.S. before the tournament intensifies.
The reinforcements are a timely boost, particularly the midfield pair of Caicedo and Fernandez, who are expected to play crucial roles. Santos and Anselmino, younger but highly rated, also bring added flexibility and energy to the squad. Their inclusion enhances Chelsea’s tactical options and provides cover for the high-stakes fixtures ahead.
Adding to the excitement is the arrival of 18-year-old talent Kendry Paez. Although not registered for the group stage matches, the Ecuadorian midfielder will train with the team, continuing his gradual integration into Chelsea’s setup. Signed for £17.5 million from Independiente del Valle, Paez has already spent time acclimatising to European football, having trained with Strasbourg in April and visited Chelsea’s Surrey base earlier in the year.
Maresca, newly appointed at Chelsea, has emphasized the importance of fostering a winning culture. In the build-up to the tournament, he made it clear that expectations at Chelsea are always high. “When you are at Chelsea, your goal is always to win. Each and every single game, our goal is to try to win. That will be no different at the Club World Cup,” he said in a recent interview.
He also expressed optimism about playing in the United States again, acknowledging the passion of American fans and the team’s progress since their last tour. With new players arriving and a determined mindset, Chelsea are aiming to make a strong impression on the global stage and possibly bring the Club World Cup trophy back to Stamford Bridge.
