Chelsea's Pedro Neto could miss the team's Club World Cup quarter-final against Brazilian Palmeiras due to the death of his compatriot Diogo Jota, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
The two were teammates at Wolverhampton.
Neto has not trained since his friend's death and manager Enzo Maresca revealed that he could remain out of the squad if he so wishes. "This is a very sad day. It's hard for me to find words, the feeling is of helplessness at this moment. The only thing I can say is that all my love goes out to the family, this is a great tragedy for them. Pedro is more than sad. It is his decision whether to play or not. We support him. Whatever he decides will be right," said the Italian.
"We are preparing for a match with Palmeiras, not against Estevao. At the moment he is a player of the opponent," said Maresca of the young Brazilian, who will join Chelsea after the tournament.
Chelsea are doubtful for Romeo Lavia, who has a muscle injury, and suspended midfielder Moises Caicedo will be absent. Striker Joao Pedro, who was bought from Brighton for 60 million British pounds, could make his debut for the "Blues".