Pedro Neto may miss Chelsea’s Club World Cup opener in Philadelphia after a friend’s tragic death

Chelsea’s preparations for the Club World Cup quarter-final were thrown into turmoil as winger Pedro Neto mourned the shock death of close friend and Portugal teammate Diogo Jota.

Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed that Neto has been excused from training in Philadelphia and may decide not to face Palmeiras on Friday night after learning of Jota’s passing. The pair had shared the pitch just last month, helping Portugal lift the UEFA Nations League title. They had also formed a bond during their time together at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

“It’s a very sad day,” Maresca said, visibly shaken. “You feel helpless in moments like this. All our love goes to Diogo’s family. Pedro is more than sad. He’s devastated. Whether he plays is entirely his choice. We support him.”

The sombre mood hung heavily over Chelsea’s final session at Lincoln Financial Field. Neto, one of the tournament’s standout players so far with three goals, stayed away from the pitch. His teammates huddled around him in private moments, trying to lift his spirits.

“He wasn’t in a good way this morning,” admitted left-back Marc Cucurella. “We tried to be there for him. I told him, ‘If you play, you’ll score. That’s destiny.’ We’ll support him either way. Football comes second right now.”

Yet football continues. Chelsea face a Palmeiras side hungry to upset the English giants—and with their own rising star aiming to make a statement. Willian Estêvão, the electrifying 18-year-old winger, will line up against the very team he’s set to join later this summer in a deal worth over £55 million.

Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira, a compatriot of Maresca’s, brushed off concerns about Estêvão’s focus. “Everyone knew this could happen,” he said. “He has a job to do. Maybe this is his goodbye—maybe he scores a beautiful goal. He owes that to the fans who helped him grow.”

Ferreira also issued a cheeky rallying cry to Philadelphia locals: “It’s the Fourth of July. Come support us—the underdogs against the English! Celebrate independence!”

Chelsea, however, must navigate more than emotion. Midfield general Moises Caicedo is suspended, and Romeo Lavia remains a doubt after suffering a muscle tweak in the win over Benfica. “He didn’t train,” Maresca said. “We’ll try him tomorrow. It’s not serious, but it’s tight.”

New signings add intrigue. João Pedro, signed from Brighton in a deal worth up to £60m, has joined the squad but only trained twice. “He was on holiday,” Maresca admitted. “He’s in good shape, but match fitness is different. We’ll decide in the morning.”

Also on standby is teenage sensation Jamie Gittens, recently signed from Borussia Dortmund for £48.5m plus add-ons. The winger may be fast-tracked onto the bench amid growing injury concerns.

Despite the challenges, Chelsea are favourites—but Palmeiras aren’t intimidated. “We’re not here for souvenirs,” said Ferreira. “We’re here to win.”

For Chelsea, victory would secure a semi-final clash against either Al Ahly or Club León. But in the wake of tragedy, the quarter-final is no longer just about trophies. It’s about honour, grief, and the unspoken bond between teammates.

Whether or not Pedro Neto steps onto the pitch, Diogo Jota’s presence will be felt under the lights in Philadelphia.