Huge Chelsea injury boost! Moises Caicedo set to return for Enzo Maresca's side in time for Club World Cup final clash with PSG

Chelsea FC Training Session And Press Conference - FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo resumed full training on Thursday in a bid to recover in time for the Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain this weekend. The Ecuadorian international picked up a knock late in Tuesday night’s semi-final clash against Fluminense, casting doubt over his availability for the much-anticipated final in New Jersey.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Chelsea cruised past the Brazilian side with a 2-0 victory, thanks to a brace from Joao Pedro, who dazzled in his full debut for the club. However, the match ended on a worrying note for Maresca, with Caicedo hobbling off after a challenge in the dying moments of the game.

Fluminense FC v Chelsea FC: Semi Final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Less than five weeks after storming past Inter Milan in the Champions League final, PSG’s latest masterclass against Real Madrid confirmed their status as Europe’s current elite force. Chelsea’s hopes of countering PSG’s dominant midfield rest heavily on Caicedo’s fitness. The 23-year-old has emerged as a vital cog in Maresca’s setup, offering energy, tackling prowess, and composure in possession and will be crucial to neutralise the marauding trio of Joao Neves, Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz.

WHAT MARESCA SAID

Maresca expressed cautious optimism about Caicedo’s condition and said: "When it happened, I told him there were only two or three minutes left, and we could finish the match with ten players. The priority was to avoid worsening the injury ahead of Sunday. He felt like he could continue, but once he tried, the pain returned. Hopefully, it’s nothing serious, and he can recover in time. We’ll assess it day by day.”

FBL-WC-CLUB-2025-MATCH61-FLUMINENSE-CHELSEA

WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

Sunday’s showdown at MetLife Stadium promises to be one of the sternest tests yet for Maresca, who will be aiming to guide Chelsea to global glory. The likes of Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, and Pedro are expected to feature prominently once again, but it is the defensive solidity in midfield that could prove decisive. That’s where Caicedo’s inclusion could tilt the balance, especially against a PSG team that excel in controlling possession and orchestrating attacks with relentless precision.