Club World Cup Final Hit by Injury Crisis: Chelsea and PSG Lose Key Players
As excitement builds for the FIFA Club World Cup final, both Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have been struck by major injury blows that could heavily influence the outcome of the highly anticipated clash.
What was set to be a full-strength showdown between two of Europe’s football giants has taken a dramatic turn, with both teams forced to make last-minute adjustments due to multiple injuries.
Chelsea, who narrowly defeated Fluminense in a hard-fought semi-final, will be without four vital players heading into the final. Reece James, Christopher Nkunku, Marc Cucurella, and Wesley Fofana have all been ruled out of the game.
According to club statements, Reece James has suffered a recurrence of his ongoing hamstring issue, while Nkunku is still recovering from a lingering knee problem. Both Fofana and Cucurella remain sidelined with long-term injuries.
Head coach Enzo Maresca, preparing for the biggest game of his young coaching career, voiced his frustration during the pre-match press conference. “Losing players right before a final is incredibly difficult,” Maresca said. “But great teams adapt—we have to rise above it.”
PSG aren’t faring much better. After an emphatic win over Real Madrid in the semi-finals, the French side will now be without midfield dynamo Vitinha, who has been ruled out with a muscle strain. The availability of Achraf Hakimi is also in doubt after he picked up a knock late in their game against Madrid.
Hakimi is undergoing further evaluation, and early reports suggest his chances of making the final stand at around 50%. Manager Luis Enrique acknowledged the concern, saying, “We’re prepared to adjust if needed, but Hakimi brings something unique to the team that’s tough to replicate.”
The loss of key players on both sides has shifted expectations. What was originally expected to be a star-studded spectacle is now shaping into a battle of depth, strategy, and mental strength. With reshuffled lineups and missing stars, the final may not look the way fans imagined—but it could turn out to be even more dramatic.
Instead of a glamorous showdown, this Club World Cup final will test the resilience and tactical adaptability of both clubs in a high-stakes, unpredictable encounter.
