Club World Cup a test of Chelsea's elite credentials

AFTER securing their return to the Champions League on the final day of the season, Chelsea have an early chance to show they belong back among the elite at the Club World Cup.

- 

Enzo Maresca’s side beat Nottingham Forest in their last Premier League match to clinch fourth place after an inconsistent campaign, ending a two-season absence from Europe's top competition. The Blues, who reached FIFA’s revamped and expanded event by landing a second Champions League triumph in 2021, have been handed a favourable opening raft of fixtures in the US.

Chelsea begin their Club World Cup campaign in Group D against Los Angeles FC, who battled through a play-off round against Club America to replace the disqualified Club Leon.

After that opening fixture in Atlanta on Monday, Chelsea head north to face Brazilian team Flamengo and Tunisia’s Esperance, both in Philadelphia. Los Angeles boast former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud, although the 38-year-old is not a regular starter.

Flamengo, who qualified by lifting the Copa Libertadores in 2022, are coached by well-regarded former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid defender Filipe Luis. Esperance have won eight of the last nine Tunisian league titles but are considered the weakest team in the group.