As Chelsea dey prepare to jam Brazilian side Palmeiras for Club World Cup quarter-final, wahala don show for midfield.
Enzo Maresca don confirm say Romeo Lavia dey struggle to shake off one muscle injury, and e no sure say him go fit play the match wey go shele on Friday for Philadelphia.
Maresca tok this one for pre-match press conference as dem dey gear up to push for glory for dis tournament wey dey go on for USA.
As if say the wahala no reach, Moises Caicedo too no go dey available – him dey serve one-match suspension. So Chelsea midfield dey look somehow dry.
“Romeo, e no sure say e go fit play. We go test am again tomorrow,” Maresca talk. “Na small muscle wahala e get from the Benfica match, and we still dey observe am. If e no fit, we go find another solution because Caicedo no go play too.”
Midfield Palava: Who Go Fit Fill the Gap?
Fans don dey yarn say dem want make Andrey Santos finally start match, but the Brazilian only don play one small sub appearance for this Club World Cup so far. Plus, Maresca don already talk say Santos and Enzo Fernandez na almost the same kind player — so pairing dem no make tactical sense for the coach.
Na why people dey suggest say Reece James fit leave him right-back post come enter midfield, while Malo Gusto or Trevoh Chalobah go slot into right-back.
Another possible surprise be say young baller Dario Essugo fit collect shirt — Maresca don praise the former Sporting Lisbon boy before say he dey impress for training.
Sub-Plot: Estevao vs Chelsea Before Transfer
Another sweet gist wey dey cook na say 18-year-old wonderkid Estevao Willian go face Chelsea for this same quarter-final, before e waka go join dem for Stamford Bridge next season. Chelsea don already lock £51.5 million deal for the boy, but for now, na Palmeiras colors e go wear come face him future club.
Chelsea Fans Dey Wait to See Who Go Carry the Day
As Lavia fitness still dey hang for balance, and Caicedo dey sideline, Maresca go need serious tactics to hold midfield steady. Chelsea don eye this Club World Cup title to boost morale ahead of next season, but injury wahala fit spoil the dance if dem no find quick solution.
Make we watch as the midfield drama go unfold.