Football world mourns Diogo Jota after tragic accident

The footballing world was left in shock on Thursday following the tragic death of Portugal and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, with the devastating news deeply affecting both Al-Hilal and Chelsea camps preparing for their respective Club World Cup quarter-final ties.

Al-Hilal's Portuguese duo João Cancelo and Rúben Neves were visibly distraught, while Chelsea forward Pedro Neto, a close friend and former teammate of Jota, was given the option to withdraw from Friday's match.

Al-Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi confirmed that the heartbreaking death of Jota had impacted his side ahead of their fixture against Fluminense.

João Cancelo, a regular with the Portugal national team, and Rúben Neves, who played alongside Jota both for Portugal and at Wolverhampton Wanderers, were among those most affected.

Jota, aged 28, tragically lost his life alongside his younger brother André when their car veered off a motorway in northern Spain and burst into flames.

"It's a truly sad day because of what happened to Diogo and André," said Inzaghi. "These are things that simply shouldn't happen. Unfortunately, they did."

"We have two Portuguese players – Rúben Neves and Cancelo – who were very close to the victims. Today was incredibly difficult for everyone. We tried to train, but of course, the atmosphere was not like any other day. It's been a tragedy."

Al-Hilal full-back Moteb Al Alharbi said the team had done their best to support their grieving teammates.

"From the moment we woke up, we were stunned by the news. They were his close teammates and we all shared in their sorrow. But we've rallied around them. I believe they will be ready, despite such devastating news," he said.

"They weren't emotionally at their best, but I trust they'll be focused for the game," added winger Khalid Alghannam.

Chelsea Leave Decision to Pedro Neto

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca stated that forward Pedro Neto would be given the freedom to decide whether to feature in Friday's quarter-final against Palmeiras, as he mourns the loss of his Portugal teammate.

"It's completely Pedro's decision," said Maresca when asked whether Neto would be available for selection at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

Jota, who had represented Liverpool and Portugal with distinction, died alongside his brother André after their vehicle crashed and caught fire in northern Spain on Thursday.

Neto, who has scored three goals in three Club World Cup appearances so far, was part of the Portugal squad that won the UEFA Nations League last month alongside Jota. The two also played together at Wolves earlier in their careers.

"I spoke to Pedro this morning. Whatever decision he makes, we will fully support him," Maresca added, visibly emotional.

João Pedro Could Make Chelsea Debut

Meanwhile, João Pedro, Chelsea's recent signing from Brighton & Hove Albion, could make his debut against Palmeiras despite only just joining up with the squad.

"João's situation is a bit unusual, as he was coming back from his holiday," Maresca explained.

The 23-year-old Brazilian forward finalised his £60 million move on Wednesday and immediately began training with the team. His last competitive appearance came on 19 April in the Premier League, although he had been keeping fit during his break.

Chelsea will be without suspended midfielder Moisés Caicedo for the match and will face Estevão Willian, the talented Brazilian teenager set to join Chelsea after the tournament.

Maresca played down any significance regarding Willian's presence: "It doesn't matter that he's joining us after this competition. Our only focus is beating Palmeiras."