Chelsea captain Reece James picked up an injury during the warm-up and was ruled out of the starting lineup for the Club World Cup quarterfinal match against Palmeiras.

Reece James, Chelsea’s captain, was notably absent from the starting lineup for the team’s Club World Cup quarterfinal match against Palmeiras.

According to reports, James picked up an injury during the warm-up, which forced him to miss the match. This is a significant blow to Chelsea, as James is a key player and a vital part of the team’s defence.

The injury to James adds to Chelsea’s growing list of concerns ahead of the match.

Despite this setback, Chelsea performed admirably on the pitch, with Cole Palmer scoring a deserved goal in the 17th minute. Palmer’s cool finish past Weverton gave Chelsea a well-deserved lead, and the team looked confident in the early stages of the match.

However, Palmeiras showed their quality and levelled the score through a stunning goal from Estevao Willian, the teenager who is set to join Chelsea after this competition. His shot from an almost impossible angle hit the crossbar and went in, showcasing his impressive skill. The goal was a significant moment in the match and gave Palmeiras a much-needed boost.

In the end, Chelsea secured a 2-1 win over Palmeiras through a freak goal, with Malo Gusto’s shot deflecting into his own net off Agustin Giay. The win books Chelsea’s spot in the semifinals of the Club World Cup, and the team will be looking to build on their momentum despite the absence of key players like Reece James.