Jota’s passing leaves Chelsea, Al Hilal reeling before CWC quarters
The football world was left reeling on Thursday following the tragic death of Portugal and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, with the shockwaves felt deeply across two Club World Cup camps. Al-Hilal's Portuguese duo João Cancelo and Rúben Neves were visibly affected, while Chelsea forward Pedro Neto, a close teammate of Jota's, was given the option to step away from their respective quarter-final ties on Friday.
Al-Hilal coach Simone Inzaghi said the death of Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota had impacted his team ahead of their Club World Cup quarter-final against Fluminense on Friday.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The Saudi club's full-back João Cancelo is a Portugal international and midfielder Rúben Neves was a team-mate of Jota with both the Portugal national team and at Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The 28-year-old Jota died alongside his younger brother André after their vehicle veered off a motorway in northern Spain before bursting into flames on Thursday.
"We all know it's a sad day because of what happened to Diogo and André. Unfortunately, these are things that shouldn't happen, which happened," said the Italian.
"As we are all aware, we have two Portuguese players, Rúben Neves and Cancelo, who were very close to the guys. Clearly today was a difficult day for everyone. We tried to work but clearly, the atmosphere today was not the same as other days. It was a tragedy," he added.
Al-Hilal left-back Moteb Al Alharbi said the team had tried to be supportive to the Portuguese pair.
"From the moment we woke up today, we were shocked by the news. They are team-mates of his and we all felt the sadness, but we were all around them. I also believe they will be ready although they have this shocking news," he said.
"They were not at their best emotionally, but I believe they will be focused for the game," added Saudi winger Khalid Alghannam.
Chelsea to let Neto decide on Palmeiras participation
Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca said he would leave forward Pedro Neto to decide whether to play a part in Friday's Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras as he mourns the tragic death of Portugal teammate Diogo Jota.
"It is completely Pedro's decision," Maresca said when asked if Neto would play in the match at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Liverpool star Jota died alongside his younger brother André Silva after their vehicle veered off a motorway in northern Spain before bursting into flames on Thursday.
Neto, who has scored three goals in three appearances so far at the Club World Cup, played with Jota in the Portugal team that won the UEFA Nations League last month. The duo also played together at Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier in their careers.
"I had a chat this morning with Pedro. Any decision he takes is the correct one and we will support him," a visibly emotional Maresca said.
Meanwhile, new Chelsea signing João Pedro could make his debut against Palmeiras despite only just joining up with his new teammates from an off-season break.
"João's situation is a bit strange, or different, because he was on holiday," Maresca said.
The 23-year-old Brazilian forward completed a move to Chelsea from Brighton and Hove Albion for a reported £60 million ($79 million) on Wednesday and immediately began training with the squad.
His last game for Brighton was on April 19 in the Premier League, although he was training alone while on holiday.
Chelsea, without the suspended Moisés Caicedo in midfield against Palmeiras, will also come up against Estevão Willian, who will join the London club after the tournament.
Maresca said the presence of the teenage Brazil winger did not impact his preparations for the game.
"We don't care about him being with us after this competition. We are just thinking about trying to beat Palmeiras," said the Italian.
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