Chelsea are set to face intense heat in Philadelphia – city declare a ‘Heat Health Emergency’ ahead of the Blues' Club World Cup clash with ES Tunis.
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Chelsea to play ES Tunis amid 39°C heat warningFIFA activates heat safety plan for Club World CupMaresca rotating squad to protect injury-prone playersFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Chelsea have been warned of dangerous playing conditions ahead of their final Club World Cup group game against ES Tunis on Tuesday night. With temperatures in Philadelphia set to soar to 39°C, the city has declared a 'Heat Health Emergency', activating cooling centres, home visits, and even a dedicated Heatline. The match will take place at Lincoln Financial Field — an open-air stadium, unlike their previous fixture in Atlanta’s climate-controlled Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
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The Blues have already faced LAFC and Flamengo in this Club World Cup campaign, with their opening match played in comfortable indoor conditions. But the rising heat in Philadelphia presents a new challenge, forcing manager Enzo Maresca to manage minutes carefully, especially for players prone to muscular issues like Reece James and Romeo Lavia. As per The Daily Mail, FIFA medical staff have been in contact with clubs to ensure heat management, including implementing mandatory cooling breaks in the 30th and 75th minutes.
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South American and African sides appear to be coping better with the blistering conditions. Brazilian side Botafogo shocked PSG earlier in the tournament, while Flamengo ousted Chelsea in a dramatic contest. ES Tunis, Chelsea’s upcoming opponents, will be no strangers to the heat either, potentially giving them an edge in the energy-sapping conditions.
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Chelsea wrap up their group stage against ES Tunis on Tuesday, needing a result to keep their Club World Cup campaign alive. With player safety and match intensity under scrutiny, how Maresca manages his squad under extreme heat will be crucial.
