CHELSEA Chelsea and PSG Face Major Setbacks Ahead of FIFA Club World Cup Final – Four Stars Confirmed Out, One Faces Last-Minute Fitness Test”

Chelsea and PSG Suffer Major Blows Ahead of FIFA Club World Cup Final – Four Key Players Ruled Out, One Still Uncertain

In what is becoming one of the most highly anticipated FIFA Club World Cup finals in recent memory, both Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have encountered serious injury setbacks just before the high-stakes encounter. Supporters worldwide had been looking forward to a high-profile battle between the Premier League powerhouses and the Ligue 1 leaders, but recent updates have thrown the final into doubt, as four main squad members have been officially sidelined, with another facing a critical fitness check at the last moment.

Chelsea, who earned their spot in the final after a tough semi-final against Fluminense, are dealing with the confirmed unavailability of Reece James, Christopher Nkunku, Marc Cucurella, and Wesley Fofana, all out due to ongoing fitness issues and accumulated fatigue. The development is a huge setback for coach Enzo Maresca, who had planned to use a full squad for his first major final since becoming head coach of the London club.

An official release from the club verified that James aggravated a hamstring problem during a training session. Nkunku remains sidelined with a lingering knee concern and hasn’t returned to full condition, while Fofana and Cucurella are still recovering from long-term injuries. In a media briefing before the match, Maresca acknowledged:

> “It’s heartbreaking to lose players of this caliber right before such an important game. But we’ll adapt. That’s what champions do.”

Chelsea aren’t alone in their troubles. PSG, who advanced with a dramatic semi-final win against Real Madrid, are also facing last-minute worries. Vital midfielder Vitinha will miss the final due to a muscle issue, while key defender Achraf Hakimi is awaiting a late decision just before kick-off.

According to insiders at PSG, Hakimi sustained an injury late in the match versus Madrid. Although the medical staff remains hopeful, the Moroccan star is currently considered “50/50” for participation. Luis Enrique, clearly anxious, commented:

> “We’re prepared for all outcomes, but of course we hope Hakimi will be ready. His presence gives us a different edge on that right flank.”

These latest injury developments have rattled both clubs’ fan communities, raising concerns over the impact on tactics, team spirit, and ultimately, the match’s result.

With major contributors missing from both rosters, the storyline surrounding this final has taken a dramatic turn—from a clash of elite talents to a contest shaped by strategic adaptation, overall squad strength, and mental toughness.

Once seen as a glamorous, star-driven spectacle between two of Europe’s top teams, the FIFA Club World Cup final now looks set to be a gritty, unpredictable showdown. What remains certain is that history will be written—though not in the

way most had envisioned.