Chelsea have been handed a timely injury boost ahead of Sunday’s FIFA Club World Cup final showdown against European champions Paris Saint-Germain, with Moises Caicedo returning to full training.
The Ecuadorian midfielder, who limped off late in Chelsea’s semi-final win over Fluminense with an ankle injury, was feared to be a major doubt for the final.
Head coach Enzo Maresca had confirmed the 22-year-old had twisted his ankle, but Caicedo was spotted training 72 hours before the final — a huge relief for the Blues.
Chelsea will still be sweating over the fitness of Romeo Lavia, who hasn’t featured since the round of 16 victory over Benfica.
The Belgian was seen training individually prior to the Fluminense game, but his availability remains uncertain.
French defender Benoit Badiashile, who also suffered an injury in that Benfica clash, remains doubtful.
Meanwhile, winger Noni Madueke will not be part of the squad for the final, having been granted permission to fly back to London to complete a £52 million transfer to Arsenal.
In attack, Joao Pedro made a statement in the semi-final, scoring both goals on his full debut while leading the line in place of suspended Liam Delap.
Maresca now faces a tactical decision — stick with the in-form Pedro, shift him to the wing, or bring back Delap for the final.
Defender Levi Colwill is available again after serving a one-match suspension, and is expected to return to the backline.
New signings Jamie Gittens and Estevao Willian will not be eligible for selection, as both represented other clubs earlier in the competition.
Expected Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1):
Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Pedro; Delap
Kickoff against PSG is set for 8pm Sunday, with Chelsea chasing their first-ever Club World Cup title.
