Chelsea will head into the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup without several high-profile players, as a number of key figures have been ruled out due to injuries, loan status, or squad management decisions.
Among the most notable absentees is João Félix, whose absence from the squad follows his return to Atlético Madrid after his loan spell ended. The Portuguese forward had moments of brilliance in his brief time at Stamford Bridge but does not feature in Mauricio Pochettino’s plans for the Club World Cup campaign.
Raheem Sterling is another surprising omission. While no official injury update has been released, it is understood that Sterling’s exclusion is linked to fitness management and the club’s desire to prevent further setbacks in what has been a stop-start season for the England international.
Defender Ben Chilwell, still working his way back to full match sharpness following recurring injury issues, will also not be part of the traveling squad. His absence continues to be felt on the left flank, where Chelsea have struggled for consistency in his position.
Axel Disasi and Renato Veiga have also been left out of the squad. Disasi, who joined Chelsea from Monaco, has had a mixed start to life in the Premier League and may be undergoing further rehabilitation or tactical re-evaluation. Veiga, a recent arrival from Basel, is considered one for the future and may not yet be deemed ready for such a high-stakes competition.
The club’s highly-rated Ecuadorian teenager Kendry Páez, though already signed by Chelsea, remains ineligible as he has yet to officially join the team due to age restrictions and international registration rules. His long-awaited arrival in London is still pending, with excitement building for his eventual debut in blue.
Meanwhile, Djordje Petrovic, the Serbian goalkeeper signed to provide depth and competition, is also not included. While not injured, his omission could be due to tactical considerations, with Chelsea opting for alternative goalkeeping options for the tournament.
Additionally, Wesley Fofana continues to recover from a long-term injury and remains at Cobham. The French center-back has endured a frustrating spell on the sidelines since his big-money move from Leicester City, and while his rehabilitation is progressing, he is not yet fit enough to travel or participate in competitive fixtures.
These absences pose a challenge for Mauricio Pochettino as he prepares his squad for the prestigious tournament, which brings together continental champions from around the world. However, with the depth Chelsea possesses, the Blues will be looking to make a strong impression on the global stage even without some of their marquee names.
