Enzo Maresca says 'different solutions' will be found to cover the Chelsea players who will miss tomorrow's Club World Cup semi-final against Fluminense.
The Brazilian club and ninety minutes – or longer if required – is what separates the Blues from a place in the final in New Jersey on Sunday.
Maresca understands the challenge ahead and knows his side will need to be at their best to progress. But we will be without Levi Colwill and Liam Delap due to suspension, while Romeo Lavia will miss the game because of a muscle issue sustained against Benfica.
However, the Blues head coach says our quarter-final victory over Palmeiras, which several key figures missed, is proof that the squad can cope with absentees.
He said: ‘I think in the last game we had Romeo out, Moi (Caicedo) out, Reece (James) out, and we found a solution with Andrey (Santos) playing in midfield.
'Now with Levi and Liam out, we will find different solutions. Joao Pedro is ready, and we also have Nico (Jackson). For sure, we will find a solution.’
Lavia featured in each of our opening four fixtures Stateside before missing the 2-1 against Palmeiras. Maresca says the Belgian midfielder is making progress in his recovery, but will not be ready to take on Fluminense at MetLife Stadium.
‘Romeo is training already,' Maresca explained. 'Unfortunately, though, he is not training with the team, so he is not ready for tomorrow.’
Tickets are available to see our Club World Cup semi-final against Fluminense in New Jersey and can be purchased from FIFA here. You can also watch the game live anywhere in the world via DAZN by signing up for free here.