Soccer-Maresca plans player rotation as Chelsea battle heat and fatigue at Club World Cup

Soccer Football - Club World Cup - Chelsea arrive in Philadelphia for the Club World Cup - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. - June 13, 2025 Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca arrives in Philadelphia ahead of the Club World Cup REUTERS/Jeenah Moon/File Photo

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) -The gruelling North American summer heat and the toll of a long season have forced Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca to adjust his team as they prepare for Friday’s top-of-the-table clash against Brazilian giants Flamengo at the Club World Cup.

With the game expected to decide who will finish top of Group D ahead of the knockout rounds, Maresca said that he has reduced the intensity and duration of training sessions to ensure his players remain competitive.