Chelsea Grants Winger Compassionate Leave Following Diogo Jota's Tragic Death

Chelsea's head coach Enzo Maresca has granted compassionate leave to winger Pedro Neto after the passing of his international colleague Diogo Jota.

After receiving word of Jota's heartbreaking death on Thursday, Neto was absent from Chelsea's morning training session as the team prepares for their Club World Cup quarter-final match against Palmeiras on Friday night.

Neto shared a strong bond with the Liverpool striker, having been teammates at Wolverhampton Wanderers and representing Portugal together, and Maresca will not force the winger to participate in the Palmeiras match if he feels unable to do so.

"Finding the right words is incredibly challenging because this situation is extremely difficult," Maresca expressed during his pre-match media briefing. "The sense of helplessness you experience in moments like these is overwhelming, and all I can offer is my heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones who are enduring this tremendous loss.

"Regarding Pedro, he is deeply affected, perhaps beyond what words can describe, but we are standing by him to provide support during this difficult time.

"The choice of whether to play against Palmeiras rests entirely with Pedro. I spoke with him this morning, and we are behind him completely. Whatever decision he makes will be the right one, and our support remains unwavering regardless of whether he takes the field or not. We'll assess how he's feeling, but our backing is guaranteed either way."

Left-back Marc Cucurella expressed confidence that Neto could make a difference against Palmeiras should he choose to participate.

"The decision lies with the manager and Pedro, but what matters most is that Pedro feels comfortable," Cucurella stated. "Football takes a backseat in situations like this, but tomorrow is an important day and whatever choice they make will be appropriate. Currently, he's performing well, and I believe Pedro could contribute significantly to our match.

"This morning he was visibly upset and struggling emotionally. However, we rallied around him, and by the afternoon he seemed somewhat improved. I assured him that if he decides to play, he'll find the net because that's how fate works. Hopefully, we can demonstrate our friendship and solidarity by dedicating any goals to his departed friend."