Jun 28, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chelsea FC defender Reece James (24) celebrates scoring their first goal during a round of 16 match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Agustin Marcarian-Reuters via Imagn Images

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Chelsea Player ‘Could Miss’ Club World Cup Quarterfinal Following Diogo Jota’s Untimely Demise

Speaking to the media in Miami, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca revealed that Pedro Neto was deeply affected by the news.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has confirmed it will be entirely up to attacker Pedro Neto to decide whether he features in Saturday’s Club World Cup quarterfinal against Palmeiras, following the tragic death of his friend and former teammate, Diogo Jota.

Jota, 28, and his brother, Andre Silva, died in a car crash in northwest Spain in the early hours of Thursday morning. The incident sent shockwaves across the football community. Jota, who was playing for Liverpool, had previously lined up alongside Neto for Portugal and Wolves, and the two shared a close bond on and off the pitch.

Pedro Is Very Sad: Enzo Maresca

Speaking to the media in Miami, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca revealed that Pedro Neto was deeply affected by the news and did not train with the squad in their final session ahead of the quarterfinal. The Chelsea manager added that the club would grant Neto indefinite compassionate leave if he wished to step away during this period of grief.

🚨 Pedro Neto has been excused from training today and likely won't feature at all against Palmeiras tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/MEnaY4plMZ
— Zeno (@CFCZeno) July 3, 2025

Maresca said,

“It’s a very sad day. I struggle to find words, you feel a little bit helpless in this kind of situation, and the only thing I can say is all my love to his family and it’s a big tragedy for them.”

“Then, in terms of Pedro, he’s very sad, probably more than sad, but we are also close to Pedro to support him in this moment. It’s completely Pedro’s decision (whether he plays). I had a chat this morning with Pedro. We support him. Any decision he will take is the correct one, and we are going to support him in any case. “We will see how he is feeling tomorrow, it doesn’t matter if he will be on the pitch or not.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella also acknowledged the emotional weight Neto is carrying as the team prepared for their clash with Palmeiras. Cucurella also shares a good friendship with Neto and the defender revealed that he spent some time with Jota on Thursday morning.

🚨 Maresca says Pedro Neto is very sad and it will be down to the player to decide if he wants to play vs Palmeiras, the club are supporting him. #CFC pic.twitter.com/IoAI0F6ubP
— Pys (@CFCPys) July 4, 2025

Chelsea face Palmeiras on Saturday with a place in the Club World Cup semi-finals on the line. But for Pedro Neto, football could take a back seat for some time.

2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Chelsea

Diogo Jota

FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Pedro Neto

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.