As anticipation reaches fever pitch for the FIFA Club World Cup final, both Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have suffered significant injury setbacks that could dramatically impact the course of the match.
Once expected to be a clash between two fully loaded European powerhouses, the final has now taken a different shape due to a series of last-minute squad issues on both sides.
Chelsea, who edged past Fluminense in a gritty semi-final, will head into the final without four crucial first-team players. Reece James, Christopher Nkunku, Marc Cucurella, and Wesley Fofana have all been ruled out.
The club confirmed that James has suffered a fresh setback in his ongoing battle with a hamstring injury, while Nkunku has not fully recovered from a persistent knee problem. Fofana and Cucurella, meanwhile, remain out due to long-term injuries they have yet to overcome.
New Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, preparing for the biggest match of his managerial career so far, expressed his disappointment during his pre-match media duties.
He admitted that the timing of the injuries was deeply frustrating but emphasized the team’s need to stay focused and resilient. “Losing players like this right before a final is very tough,” Maresca said. “But champions find ways to adapt and rise above adversity.”
Paris Saint-Germain are also dealing with their own injury crisis. After dispatching Real Madrid in a dramatic semi-final performance, PSG have now confirmed that midfield workhorse Vitinha will miss the final due to a muscle strain. Even more concerning for the French side is the status of Achraf Hakimi, who suffered a knock during the closing minutes of their match against Madrid.
The Moroccan right-back is currently undergoing assessment, with sources indicating he has only a 50% chance of playing in the final. PSG manager Luis Enrique admitted the uncertainty around Hakimi is unsettling, saying, “We’re ready to make adjustments, but we’re hoping for the best. Hakimi gives us an edge that’s hard to replace.”
The loss of key players on both teams has shaken fan expectations and raised questions about how these changes will affect each side’s tactical approach. The final, once hyped as a glamorous showdown between football’s elite, now promises to be a gritty contest centered on adaptability, bench strength, and mental toughness.
Instead of a star-studded spectacle, the final now represents a true test of resilience and strategy for both clubs. With lineups reshuffled and star power reduced, this Club World Cup decider may not unfold as originally envisioned—but it is shaping up to be an unforgettable battle in its own right.
