Pedro Neto has been given compassionate leave by Chelsea as he grieves the loss of his close friend and former team-mate Diogo Jota. The Portugal internationals shared time together at Wolves and for the national team, and Neto is said to be deeply affected by Jota’s sudden passing in a car accident. Chelsea are currently in Miami preparing to face Palmeiras in the Club World Cup quarter-finals on Friday, but Neto was absent from Thursday’s training session after hearing the tragic news.
Head coach Enzo Maresca expressed the club’s full support for the winger, saying the decision on whether to play is entirely Neto’s. “Any decision he will take is the correct one, and we are going to support him either way,” Maresca said during his press conference in Philadelphia. “Pedro is very sad, probably more than sad. We are all so close to him to support him in this moment.”
Maresca described the atmosphere within the squad as somber and emotionally heavy, adding that the tragedy has affected the entire team. “It’s a very sad day. I struggle to find the words. The feeling you have is you are a little helpless in this situation,” he said. “All my love to his family.”
It remains uncertain whether Neto will be part of the squad on Friday, but the club is prioritizing his well-being above football commitments. The emotional toll has been significant, and Chelsea are allowing him the space to grieve privately. The gesture reflects the club’s stance on player mental health and personal loss, giving the 24-year-old full control over his participation during this difficult time.
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As Chelsea prepare to face Palmeiras in the Club World Cup quarter-finals, manager Enzo Maresca is facing a midfield dilemma. Romeo Lavia missed Thursday's training session in Miami after picking up a muscular issue at the end of their recent win against Benfica. Although Maresca described it as a “small” problem, the injury could rule Lavia out of Friday’s game. Adding to Chelsea’s concerns, Moises Caicedo is suspended for the match, further limiting their midfield options.
With two key players potentially unavailable, Maresca may be forced to reshuffle his plans or turn to new signing Joao Pedro for support. Pedro, who joined from Brighton for £55 million, has only recently linked up with the squad after returning from holiday. Although he had been training individually, Maresca emphasized that the Brazilian still needs time to build fitness with the group.
“Joao’s situation is a bit different,” Maresca said. “He was working by himself, but not yet with the team. We are really happy with him over the last few days. We’ll see if we need him tomorrow, and if we have the chance we are going to give him some minutes.”
The manager’s words suggest Joao Pedro could make a late debut depending on the team’s needs, but his readiness remains uncertain. With limited midfield depth, Maresca may have to rely on younger or less experienced players to step in for this critical match.
Chelsea’s squad is also managing emotional strain, with Pedro Neto’s situation casting a shadow over preparations. While the football stakes are high, the team is navigating a challenging mix of tactical decisions and emotional realities. Friday’s fixture will test not only Chelsea’s squad depth but also their unity and resilience during a sensitive time.
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