Jackson, Nkunku react to update from Andrey Santos ahead of Chelsea CWC semi-final
Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku reacted to a post on social media from Chelsea teammate Andrey Santos ahead of the Blues’ Club World Cup semi-final clash with Fluminense.
The West London club are just one game away from a place in the tournament’s final against one of PSG or Real Madrid.
However, Chelsea will need to overcome a strong Fluminense side led by the Premier League club’s former star Thiago Silva.
Renato Gaucho’s team will be the third Brazilian club Enzo Maresca’s side will have faced in the CWC so far, having lost to Flamengo in the group stages before claiming a 2-1 victory over Palmeiras.
The game will be a particularly pertinent one for Chelsea’s new signing Joao Pedro, who began his career at Fluminense.
And after making his first start for the Blues in the quarter-finals, the ex-Brighton man’s Brazilian teammate Santos will be hoping to retain his place in Maresca’s starting XI.
Andrey Santos shares training update
Prior to Chelsea’s CWC semi-final, Santos shared two images of himself on Instagram in training for the Blues.
The post was liked by Jackson and Nkunku, both of whom will be desperate to be involved in the match with their futures at the club in doubt.
Santos may be tempted by Chelsea exit
Football Insider Verdict
Few players were more impressive in Ligue 1 last season than Santos was for Strasbourg.
Desire Doue ultimately won the division’s young player of the year award, a somewhat controversial decision, given how good Chelsea‘s young loanee was.
Despite his tender age and his stay in France only being temporary, Santos captained the French side at points last season on his way to scoring 11 goals and assisting four more.
However, Chelsea are unfortunately stacked in midfield with Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and Romeo Lavia all well established, making it difficult for the Brazil international to earn a place in the Blues’ first XI.
With that in mind, the 21-year-old may look for another exit this summer. Bayern Munich and AC Milan were both interested in Santos prior to the transfer window, and should a European giant make an offer for the talented midfielder, the opportunity to feature regularly may be very tempting.