Chelsea confirm Club World Cup squad with EIGHT players brutally axed

Chelsea have confirmed their squad for the Club World Cup, with EIGHT high-profile players left out by Enzo Maresca.

The Conference League winners have been drawn in Group D for the revamped 32-tournament and will take on Mexican side Leon, Brazilian giants Flamengo and ES Tunis of Tunisia.

Chelsea's participation comes as a result of their Champions League win over Manchester City in 2021 and they will compete in the competition alongside Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.

Their 28-man squad was announced on Wednesday evening and includes new signings Liam Delap, Mike Penders, Mamadou Sarr and Dario Essugo.

However, there are also a number of notable omissions from the Blues.

Having been away from Chelsea last season, Joao Felix, Djordje Petrovic, Axel Disasi, Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Kendry Paez, Renato Veiga have all been left out - while Wesley Fofana will not be participating as he continues his recovery from injury at Cobham.

Chelsea kick off their campaign against Mexican side Leon on 16 June at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and also have two group games in Philadelphia,

Though the Club World Cup has brought plenty of negative reaction and there is word that ticket sales are not performing well, Maresca has expressed his excitement and is looking to win a second bit of silverware with Chelsea.

"I’m happy [to be there] especially because it’s a tournament that brings together the top 32 teams in the world. So, it’s very exciting to take part in such a huge competition," he told DAZN.

"You also have the opportunity to face other top coaches and some world-class teams. We were there - in North America - last summer, and it was great. There were so many fans there, and it will be another opportunity for them to come and watch us and for us to meet them. So, there’s no doubt it will be a great occasion."