Reece James reacts to Willian’s gesture ahead of Chelsea clash v Fluminense
Chelsea have the full backing of one of their former players as they prepare to face Fluminense in the Club World Cup semi-finals.
Enzo Maresca‘s side are potentially just 90 minutes away from the decider of FIFA’s revamped summer tournament, as former Blues defender Thiago Silva leads the Fluminense side standing in their way.
Chelsea have had mixed fortunes against Brazilian sides so far in their Club World Cup campaign, and lost 3-1 to Flamengo in the group stages before a 2-1 quarter-final victory over Palmeiras last time out.
Cole Palmer’s opener was cancelled out by future Chelsea player Willian Estevao early in the second half of their last-eight clash, but an own-goal from Palmeiras ‘keeper Weverton proved to be the difference.
Willian sends Reece James message after Chelsea injury scare
Fluminense stand between Chelsea and a match-up with either Real Madrid or Champions League winners PSG in the Club World Cup final, but a key figure is set to return for Maresca in their semi-final.
Skipper Reece James scored a free-kick in Chelsea’s weather-delayed 4-1 victory over Benfica in the last 16, but missed out on their quarter-final against Palmeiras after experiencing physical discomfort.
James assured Chelsea fans that he was fit and firing ahead of their semi-final, and former Blues star Willian took to Instagram to throw his support behind the injury-hit right-back ahead of their semi-final.
Willian posed in a ‘JAMES 24’ shirt overlooking a waterfront balcony, and James shared the post on his own Instagram story with the message of: “My brother”.
Club World Cup progress to fund further Chelsea transfers
Football Insider Verdict
James‘ return at right-back for the Blues will be a welcome boost for Maresca as his side look to go all the way in the Club World Cup, and doing so will certaintly earn Chelsea a healthy financial windfall.
Manchester City’s shock exit to Al-Hilal has seen them miss out on over £50million in prize money, and Chelsea will look to avoid an upset of their own after making strides both on and off the pitch so far.
Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens’ signings have all been confirmed during the Club World Cup, and Chelsea will look to maximise the financial rewards from the tournament and ramp up their transfer conveyor belt even further.