Will Pedro Neto Play Against Palmeiras in Club World Cup Quarter Final?

Chelsea forward Pedro Neto is mourning the tragic passing of his close friend and former teammate Diogo Jota, so he is doubtful ahead of Friday's FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras. Coach Enzo Maresca has given the Portuguese international total freedom to decide whether he will play in this important game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

Tragic Loss Creates Uncertainty for Chelsea's Star Performer

The football community was stunned Thursday morning when rumours surfaced that Liverpool striker Diogo Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva, 25, had died in a car accident in northwest Spain. When their Lamborghini veered off the A-52 road near Cernadilla, Zamora, it burst into flames. Jota was returning to England for Liverpool's pre-season training, set to begin sometime next week. Having club and international experiences with Jota, Neto has been greatly affected by this tragic death.

Pedro Neto made his Premier League debut as a substitute for Jota against Manchester United, but the pair were teammates at Wolverhampton Wanderers all the 2019–20 campaign. More recently, they were important members of the Portugal squad that last month overcame Spain in the final to win the UEFA Nations League.

Neto was "excused from training but opted to stay with the group in Philadelphia," according to Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca. The Portuguese winger was in excellent form with three goals in three Club World Cup games; he missed Thursday's training to let himself process the terrible news. It is a challenging time.

"It's a difficult moment. You feel helpless," Maresca said in a pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea's upcoming Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras. "Pedro is more than sad, and we are all here to support him. Any decision he makes—whether to play or not—is the right one, and we will back him fully".

The manager emphasized the club's unwavering support for their star player during this difficult time. "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".

Maresca made it clear that the decision rests entirely with Neto, stating, "It doesn't matter if he'll be on the pitch or not. We'll see how he is feeling tomorrow, but in any case, we're going to support him".

Neto's Exceptional Form Makes His Potential Absence Even More Significant

Pedro Neto's possible absence would seriously hinder Chelsea's Club World Cup attempt. With three goals in three games, the 25-year-old is in great form and has equalled his total goals for Chelsea since the start of 2025.

Neto had three goals in 30 appearances across all competitions before the Club World Cup. His transformation into Chelsea's top scorer in the tournament has been extraordinary, as FIFA named him among eight quarter-final stars to watch. His goal against Benfica made him joint second-top scorer at the Club World Cup.

Neto is tactically crucial. Essential for Chelsea's attacking strategy, especially when Nkunku drops deep, BBC commentator Matt Jarvis dubbed him “a true livewire”. The directness and energy of Neto offer significant chances. Neto's career has been slowed down by injuries, mainly hamstring, ankle, and knee issues, because of which he missed over 100 games in four years.

Missed the World Cup in 2022 and Euro 2020 as well, his current state and form become even more priceless. If Neto were to sit out, manager Enzo Maresca may bank on Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, or fresh signing Joao Pedro—though Joao Pedro's match fitness is questionable considering his previous competitive performance in April.

Because 18-year-old Estevao, set to join Chelsea for as much as €67 million after the tournament, could have his last game for Palmeiras, the match is likely to be an emotional affair. Because of suspension, Chelsea also miss key midfielder Moises Caicedo, further hurting their chances of making the semi-finals.

Neto's presence is rather crucial as they seek a semi-final place and a $21 million reward. As the game draws close, everyone awaits Neto's decision.