Get Guardian on GoogleChelsea have been handed a major boost for their Club World Cup final clash against PSG, who will be without defenders Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez for the showdown, reports mirror.co.uk.
The Blues are hoping to add another trophy to their cabinet following their UEFA Conference League triumph at the end of last season, but face a stern challenge against Champions League holders PSG – who thumped Real Madrid 4-0 in their semi-final tie on Wednesday night.
PSG turned on the style against the La Liga side as midfielder Fabian Ruiz netted a double, with Ousmane Dembele and Goncalo Ramos also getting on the scoresheet.
The French side secured their win without the services of defenders Pacho and Lucas Hernandez after both players were sent off in the 2-0 quarter-final win over Bayern Munich.
They will continue to be unavailable for the final, though PSG coped just fine in their absence as Beraldo held his own in defence alongside Marquinhos, while Nuno Mendes was superb at left-back. That’s because the PSG pair were both shown straight red cards against Bayern, while the Blues duo picked up suspensions.
Tensions flared against Bayern as Pacho was dismissed for a late lunge on Leon Goretzka as Hernandez was given an early bath for elbowing Raphael Guerreiro – but PSG still prevailed with two late goals from Desire Doue and Dembele.
Pacho has forged an impressive partnership with Marquinhos in defence as the pair started the 5-0 win over Inter Milan in the Champions League final together. But Beraldo earned credit for his solid display while deputising for Pacho against Madrid and he should be a solid option against Chelsea too.
Chelsea booked their place with a 2-0 win over Brazilian side Fluminense thanks to a brace from new signing Joao Pedro.
The final will take place on Sunday at the MetLife Stadium, with Chelsea bidding to win this competition for the second time – having lifted the previous iteration of the tournament back in 2021.
