| Chelsea vs Benfica | |
|
MATCH INFO |
|
|
MATCH :
|
Chelsea vs Benfica
|
|
COMPETITION :
|
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 - Round 16
|
| DATE: |
29-05-2025
|
|
TIME:
|
01.30 AM IST (UTC +5:30)
12.00 AM UAE
|
|
STADIUM
|
Bank Of America stadium
|
Benfica Team News and Updates
Benfica continue to navigate the absence of long-term casualties Alexander Bah and Manu Silva. Midfielder Florentino Luis also remains sidelined after suffering a shoulder injury on matchday one, which has kept him out of the last two fixtures.
On a brighter note, Andrea Belotti is available again following suspension and will be eager to challenge for a starting spot ahead of top scorer Vangelis Pavlidis, who netted his 30th goal of the season in Benfica’s matchday two clash with Auckland.
Veteran star Ángel Di María, still performing impressively at 37, has found the net three times in as many Club World Cup appearances — all from the penalty spot. He’s expected to combine in attack with Schjelderup, while manager Bruno Lage faces a midfield decision: whether to recall Orkun Kökçü or retain Renato Sanches alongside Leandro Barreiro.
Chelsea Team News and Updates
On the Chelsea side, defender Wesley Fofana has recently rejoined the first-team group in the United States but remains unavailable for selection as he continues his recovery from a significant thigh injury.
Up front, Nicolas Jackson will serve the final match of his two-game suspension, meaning Liam Delap is likely to keep his place leading the attack. Meanwhile, Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto could return to the starting XI, potentially replacing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Christopher Nkunku in the forward line.
In midfield, Enzo Fernández looks set for a high-profile outing against his former club, partnering Moisés Caicedo. At the back, Reece James, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella are all candidates to slot into a defensive line alongside Tosin Adarabioyo, tasked with shielding goalkeeper Robert Sánchez.