Chelsea return to competitive action tonight as they face LAFC in Atlanta to kick off their Club World Cup campaign, but all eyes are on Enzo Maresca and how he shapes a squad still brimming with questions.
Though the Blues ended last season with a Conference League trophy and a return to the Champions League, their inconsistency raised doubts. Now, with a new manager at the helm and fresh faces in the squad, this tournament may double as pre-season with silverware on the line.
From striker concerns to the ongoing goalkeeper debate, here are three major issues Chelsea must confront in the United States:
1. Striker Headache: Jackson vs Delap—and Maybe More
Nicolas Jackson ended last season on a sour note: a 14-game goal drought and a costly red card that saw him miss the run-in. Despite flashes of promise, the 23-year-old is now under real pressure.
Enter Liam Delap, a surprise £30 million signing from Ipswich. The England youth international is seen as a serious contender for the No9 role, especially after Maresca confirmed that no one has locked down the starting striker spot.
And it could get worse for Jackson—Chelsea are still scouring the market for another top-tier striker this summer.
This Club World Cup could be make-or-break for Jackson’s Chelsea future, especially with Delap hungry to prove he’s ready to lead the line.
2. Goalkeeper Chaos: No Clear No1
Chelsea brought four goalkeepers to the U.S.—but are still chasing another. Their recent approach for AC Milan’s Mike Maignan says it all: the current options aren’t convincing.
Neither Robert Sanchez nor Filip Jorgensen staked a solid claim last season, while academy prospects Mike Penders and Gaga Slonina are pushing for chances.
Sanchez wears the No1 shirt for now, but form and fitness will determine how long that lasts. Maresca can’t afford indecision at the back if Chelsea are to contend domestically and in Europe.
This Club World Cup might decide who stays and who goes between the sticks.
3. Andrey Santos: Too Good to Bench?
Among the wave of Chelsea’s wonderkids, Andrey Santos stands out. The 21-year-old Brazilian impressed on loan at Strasbourg and is finally set to make his Chelsea debut.
But it won’t be easy. He enters a midfield already stacked with Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Romeo Lavia—a trio worth nearly £275 million combined.
Still, Santos has made it clear: he’s not returning just to warm the bench. His performances in the U.S. will be closely watched, and Maresca will have to figure out how to fit all that talent into one engine room.
It’s a good headache to have, but one Chelsea must solve before the season begins.
All Eyes on Atlanta
Chelsea may say they’re going for glory in the U.S., but this Club World Cup feels like a high-stakes audition. From goalkeepers battling for survival, to strikers looking to secure their place, to midfield stars fighting for minutes, Maresca’s decisions in this tournament will shape Chelsea’s 2025/26 campaign.
Kickoff tonight. Pressure on. Stakes high.
