Noni Madueke Set to Start Club World Cup Semi for Chelsea

Noni Madueke will spearhead Chelsea’s right flank on Tuesday evening when the Blues square up to Copa Libertadores champions Fluminense in Jeddah, and manager Enzo Maresca insists “I don’t have doubts” about the winger’s focus despite fever-pitched Arsenal transfer rumours.

Noni Madueke central to Maresca’s plan

Maresca didn’t flinch when asked whether Noni Madueke might be distracted by the Gunners’ reported £45 million interest. Instead, he underlined the 21-year-old’s importance to Chelsea’s high-tempo, possession-heavy blueprint. “Noni trained superbly all week,” the Italian said. “His speed between the lines and one-v-one ability are unique in our squad. He will play.”

For Madueke, the Club World Cup offers a global stage to reinforce the promise that inspired Chelsea to pay PSV Eindhoven £30 million in January 2023. The England U21 starlet has already featured off the bench in the quarter-final win over Palmeiras, drawing the foul that led to Cole Palmer’s winner. Now he is set for a starting berth against Fluminense’s combative left-back Marcelo, a duel that could define the semi-final.

Fluminense versus Chelsea: what’s at stake?

While Europe’s elite have often treated the Club World Cup as an afterthought, Maresca is chasing history. A victory would send Chelsea into their fourth final and keep them on course for a second global crown. The Blues’ squad travelled straight from Wolverhampton after Saturday’s Premier League draw, and fitness staff have had only 72 hours to acclimatise players to Saudi heat.

Fluminense, guided by Copa Libertadores-winning coach Fernando Diniz, deploy a trademark 4-2-3-1 shape built around veteran maestro Marcelo and marauding striker Germán Cano. Chelsea analysts expect Diniz to press high, forcing Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo to play through traffic—precisely where Madueke’s dribbling and half-space runs could tilt momentum.

Team news and tactical tweaks

Maresca confirmed a near-clean bill of health. Christopher Nkunku and Reece James remain out, but Levi Colwill has shaken off a minor ankle knock. Madueke is tipped to start on the right of a 3-4-2-1, with Raheem Sterling inverted on the left and Nicolas Jackson leading the line. Conor Gallagher is expected to push higher than usual, pressing Fluminense’s double pivot and freeing Madueke to stay wide for quick transitions.

On paper, Chelsea boast superior depth, yet Fluminense’s cohesion—many have played together for four seasons—could threaten. Scouts highlight midfielder André’s ability to break lines; Caicedo must track him diligently, or Madueke will be forced deeper to assist Malo Gusto, blunting Chelsea’s width.

Arsenal transfer talk refuses to die down

The north-London rumour mill claims Arsenal technical director Edu has opened informal talks with Madueke’s representatives, viewing the winger as a potential long-term replacement for Bukayo Saka’s heavy workload. Sources around Cobham, however, downplay any immediate exit. Chelsea’s hierarchy regard Madueke as homegrown core after last summer’s exodus, and with two-and-a-half years left on his contract, they hold the leverage.

Maresca echoed that stance. “Speculation is normal in football,” he shrugged. “What matters is the badge you represent. Noni understands that.”

Why Madueke matters to Chelsea’s rebuild

Since Todd Boehly’s consortium took charge, Chelsea have invested over £1 billion in young talent. Yet consistent end-product has remained elusive. Madueke’s direct style—averaging 9.1 progressive carries per 90, top of the squad—provides a missing vertical spark. His ability to invert and combine with Palmer has become a staple of Maresca’s positional play.

Defensively, Madueke has improved, recovering possession 3.7 times per match this season compared to 2.1 last term. Those numbers convinced coaching staff he is ready for marquee fixtures, and the Club World Cup semi-final will be his sternest examination yet.

The Saudi showcase: global exposure and pressure

Winning the Club World Cup may not top Chelsea’s priorities list, but lifting silverware builds momentum. For Madueke, it is also an audition before a worldwide audience—and, perhaps, the Arsenal hierarchy. The winger himself remains unfazed. Speaking to in-house media, he said: “Big games are why I came to Chelsea. I’m focused on trophies; everything else is noise.”

Noni Madueke headline moments so far

• Debut goal against Fulham, May 2023
• Man-of-the-Match performance vs Newcastle, Carabao Cup 2023
• Assist and drawn penalty in quarter-final vs Palmeiras, CWC 2024

These flashes illustrate why Maresca is doubling down on the youngster in Jeddah.

Predicted XI vs Fluminense

Petrovic; Disasi, Silva, Colwill; Gusto, Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, Cucurella; Palmer, Noni Madueke; Jackson.

Bench: Bettinelli, Chalobah, Ugochukwu, Sterling, Mudryk, Broja, Santos, Casadei, Hall.

Can Arsenal prise Noni Madueke away?

Financial Fair Play looms large over both London clubs. Arsenal’s midfield reinforcements may take precedence in January, potentially delaying any formal bid for Madueke until summer. Chelsea, meanwhile, are under no obligation to sell; Maresca values squad continuity amid his tactical overhaul.

What happens next?

Should Chelsea progress, a final against either Al-Ahly or Manchester City awaits. Maresca reiterated that rotating his frontline is crucial with festive Premier League fixtures looming, but “the semi-final comes first,” he stressed. Expect Madueke to start, finish, and possibly celebrate with a winners’ medal.

Quick opinion: Entrusting Noni Madueke with such responsibility feels like the right call. If he dominates against Fluminense, Chelsea gain a route to the final—and Arsenal may discover his price tag has just risen.