Chelsea’s Pedro Neto, grieving Diogo Jota, is a doubt for Palmeiras quarterfinal in Club World Cup

Chelsea face Palmeiras in the Club World Cup quarterfinals this Friday at 8 p.m. ET in Philadelphia, but their star winger Pedro Neto remains a doubt after the tragic death of his close friend Diogo Jota in a car accident in Spain. The Portuguese attacker skipped training on Thursday, and manager Enzo Maresca has left the decision to play in Neto’s hands. The team is also grappling with other injury concerns, including Roméo Lavia’s potential absence, while new signing João Pedro could make his debut. The match, a rematch of the 2021 Club World Cup final, carries emotional and tactical weight for both sides.

The sudden loss of Diogo Jota, a 28-year-old Liverpool forward, sent shockwaves through the football world. Jota, who died in a car crash on Thursday, was a former teammate of Neto’s at Wolverhampton and with the Portuguese national team. Their bond, forged over years, has left Neto deeply affected, raising questions about his participation against Palmeiras.

Chelsea, aiming for a semifinal spot, must navigate this emotional turmoil while facing a Palmeiras side missing key defenders. The game is set to be a defining moment in the expanded 2025 Club World Cup, hosted across the United States.

• Key updates on Chelsea’s squad:
• Pedro Neto missed training due to grief over Diogo Jota’s death.
• Enzo Maresca gave Neto full autonomy to decide on playing.
• Roméo Lavia’s muscle injury makes him a game-time decision.
• João Pedro, a recent signing, may see minutes despite limited team training.

Ahead of today’s training session, Chelsea Football Club held a minute’s silence in memory of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva.

Our thoughts are with their friends and family. 💙 pic.twitter.com/ZMJrsmwowL

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 3, 2025

Emotional toll on Chelsea

Diogo Jota’s death cast a heavy shadow over Chelsea’s preparations. Enzo Maresca, speaking to the press, offered condolences to Jota’s family and emphasized the club’s support for Pedro Neto. The Italian manager called the day “heartbreaking” and admitted the challenge of finding words in such a tragedy. Neto’s close friendship with Jota, built during their time at Wolverhampton and cemented in Portugal’s 2019 Nations League triumph, adds a personal layer to the team’s challenges.

Pedro Neto, 25, has been a standout for Chelsea in the Club World Cup, scoring three goals, including one against Flamengo. His pace and flair are central to Maresca’s tactics, and his potential absence could force a tactical rethink against a Palmeiras side fresh off a gritty win over Botafogo. Neto’s decision will likely come down to the wire, with the club prioritizing his mental well-being.

The squad rallied around Neto, with teammates and staff offering support. Maresca’s decision to give the player freedom reflects a compassionate approach, acknowledging the gravity of the loss while preparing for a high-stakes match.

Tactical challenges for Chelsea

Chelsea’s injury list compounds the uncertainty around Neto. Roméo Lavia, a key midfielder, is nursing a muscle issue from the Benfica match and faces a late fitness test. Maresca noted that Lavia’s status remains unclear, and if he’s ruled out, the team will need to adapt its midfield setup. This could mean more responsibility for players like Enzo Fernández or Moisés Caicedo.

On a positive note, Brazilian striker João Pedro, signed from Brighton for $415 million, is available. Despite only two training sessions with the squad, Maresca praised his fitness and hinted at a possible cameo. João Pedro’s inclusion could provide a spark, especially if Neto is unavailable, offering a fresh attacking option against Palmeiras’ depleted defense.

Palmeiras, meanwhile, are without three defensive starters: Gustavo Gómez and Joaquín Piquerez, both suspended, and Murilo, sidelined by injury. These absences weaken their backline, potentially giving Chelsea’s attackers, like Cole Palmer or João Pedro, chances to exploit gaps.

Match background

The Chelsea-Palmeiras clash revisits their 2021 Club World Cup final, where Chelsea won 2-1 in extra time via a Kai Havertz penalty. That defeat still stings for Palmeiras, who now seek redemption under coach Abel Ferreira. The Brazilian side has retained much of its core, while Chelsea’s squad has undergone significant changes, with only Trevoh Chalobah remaining from the 2022 lineup.

Set for Lincoln Financial Field, a venue known for hosting major events like the Copa América, the game will draw a global audience, with broadcasts on Globo, SporTV, CazéTV, and DAZN. Palmeiras advanced past Botafogo with a 1-0 extra-time goal from Paulinho, while Chelsea overcame Benfica 4-1, despite weather-related delays. The winner will face either PSG or Bayern Munich in the semifinals.

Neto and Jota’s bond

Pedro Neto and Diogo Jota shared a deep connection, having played together at Wolverhampton from 2019 to 2020. Their partnership extended to Portugal’s national team, where they celebrated the 2019 Nations League title. Jota’s death, at the peak of his career with 63 goals in 149 games for Liverpool, left a void in the football community. For Neto, the loss is personal, and his emotional state will be a key factor in Chelsea’s lineup decisions.

Tributes for Jota poured in from clubs, players, and fans worldwide. His legacy as a dynamic, goal-scoring forward endures, but for Chelsea, the immediate focus is supporting Neto through his grief while preparing for a crucial match.

Palmeiras’ defensive adjustments

Palmeiras face their own hurdles, with their defense in disarray. Gustavo Gómez, the team’s captain, was sent off against Botafogo, while Piquerez earned a suspension. Murilo’s thigh injury further depletes their options.

• Palmeiras’ likely defensive replacements:
• Vanderlan, a 22-year-old left-back, will step in for Piquerez.
• Bruno Fuchs has filled in for Murilo, as seen in the Porto match.
• Micael will pair with Fuchs in central defense, a duo with only two prior games together in 2025.

Abel Ferreira, a tactician known for thriving under pressure, will rely on organization and counterattacks led by Estêvão and Raphael Veiga to challenge Chelsea’s defense, which showed vulnerabilities in a 3-1 loss to Flamengo.

Game expectations

The Chelsea-Palmeiras matchup is a clash of contrasting narratives. Chelsea, favored by analytics like Opta’s 74.76% advancement probability, boast a star-studded squad but face emotional and injury challenges. Palmeiras, driven by their historic quest for a first Club World Cup title, have rallied their passionate fanbase, with thousands traveling to Philadelphia.

The atmosphere at Lincoln Financial Field is expected to be electric, with Palmeiras supporters aiming to outnumber Chelsea’s. For the English side, the Club World Cup is a chance to cement their global stature, while Palmeiras view it as a long-overdue coronation.

Chelsea’s key players

Beyond Neto and João Pedro, Chelsea rely on Cole Palmer’s creativity and Reece James’ leadership. Palmer’s goals have been vital in the tournament, while James anchors the defense. The team’s 4-1 win over Benfica showcased their attacking depth, but defensive lapses, as seen against Flamengo, remain a concern.

Enzo Maresca, in his first season with Chelsea, faces a defining moment. His possession-based, high-intensity style will be tested against Palmeiras’ disciplined setup, making tactical flexibility crucial.

Club World Cup context

The 2025 Club World Cup, with 32 teams and matches across U.S. cities, has delivered drama and upsets. Palmeiras lead Brazilian clubs in attendance, reflecting their fanbase’s commitment. Chelsea, champions in 2021, aim to repeat, but their revamped squad faces a tougher road in the expanded format.

Final preparations

Palmeiras trained at the Philadelphia Eagles’ Performance Center, focusing on tactical drills. Abel Ferreira worked with nearly the full squad, except Murilo. Chelsea’s Thursday session missed Neto but saw João Pedro integrate well, signaling his readiness.

The match will test both teams’ resilience, with Chelsea navigating emotional strain and Palmeiras overcoming defensive shortages. The outcome will shape their Club World Cup campaigns and leave a lasting mark on their seasons.