Enzo Maresca reacts to scorching weather conditions before Club World Cup game

Enzo Maresca has expressed his disappointment after Chelsea failed to train properly with Philadelphia’s unbearable heatwave ahead of their final Club World Cup game.

The Blues face Tunisian side ES Tunis at the Lincoln Financial Field on Tuesday night.

Maresca’s side suffered a 3-1 defeat to Flamengo last time out and must avoid another setback against African opposition in bid to secure progress to the knockout stages.

Chelsea players trained at Subaru Park, the home of Major League Soccer (MLS) side Philadelphia Union, in 37C.

The players were engaged in some light exercises next to two fans blowing on full blast with mist settings.

Maresca said: “We are not training almost. We are just doing very, very, very short sessions.

“It is almost impossible to train or to make a session because of the weather. Now we are trying just to save energy for the game.

“This morning’s session has been very, very, very short. It’s not easy in these conditions with these temperatures. We are going to try to do our best.”

Reece James, who was ill, missed the Monday morning session, while Levi Colwill has also been unwell, but managed to participate in the humidity.

Chelsea players trained at Subaru Park, the home of Major League Soccer (MLS) side Philadelphia Union

Maresca continued: “I always try to avoid excuses. I always try to be honest. It’s not about excuses, it’s about reality.

“It’s an excuse when it’s not hot and we say that it’s hot. That is an excuse. But if hot, it’s hot. It’s difficult to work with these temperatures but we are here and we trying to do our best and we will try to win.

“Now in terms of the session, it’s impossible to do a normal session, otherwise you don’t save energy for the game.

“We did the session this morning, it was quite short, we prepared for the game and we will try to do our best to go to the next stage.”