Edouard Mendy has returned between the Chelsea posts for this evening’s Club World Cup final against Palmeiras at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, with Mason Mount also back in the starting XI having emerged from the bench in Wednesday’s semi-final win over Al Hilal.
Mendy linked up with his teammates on Wednesday morning having had two days to celebrate Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations win last weekend. He spent the first 24 hours in Abu Dhabi recovering before taking a full part in training on Thursday and yesterday.
The change will be viewed by many as harsh on Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has performed well in Mendy's absence. The Spain international made two impressive stops in the semi-final and saved a penalty in the FA Cup fourth-round win over Plymouth Argyle last Saturday.
A point of debate ahead of the game was whether Thomas Tuchel would stick with his tried and trusted 3-4-2-1 shape or move to a back four. The Chelsea head coach has gone with the former.
Andreas Christensen will begin on the right of the back three with Thiago Silva in the centre. Antonio Rudiger starts on the left once more.
There is a shock at wing-back with Callum Hudson-Odoi in the starting XI on the left flank. The academy graduate did not feature in the semi-final victory on Wednesday. Cesar Azpilicueta, who captains Chelsea, occupies the right wing-back role.
Tuchel faced a difficult call as to who made up his midfield with Jorginho, N'Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic all vying for a place in the side.
The Chelsea head coach has opted for the tandem of Kante and Kovacic. Jorginho, who undertook pre-match media duties, is on the bench.
Romelu Lukaku starts through the middle of the attack once more and the Belgian is flanked by Kai Havertz and Mount. Hakim Ziyech, who has impressed in the last three matches, is on the bench.
Chelsea: Mendy; Christensen, Silva, Rudiger; Azpilicueta, Kante, Kovacic, Hudson-Odoi; Havertz, Lukaku, Mount
Chelsea substitutes: Kepa, Bettinelli, Alonso, Chalobah, Sarr, Jorginho, Saul, Barkley, Kenedy, Ziyech, Werner, Pulisic
