Chelsea will face Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal SFC in the semi-final of the Club World Cup on Wednesday night.
Al-Hilal beat Abu Dhabi-based club Al Jazira 6-1 on Sunday evening, fighting back from one goal down early in the game to comfortably progress through to the semi-finals in the competition.
Former Manchester United and Watford striker Odion Ighalo was on the scoresheet and could feature against the Blues once again, having already faced Chelsea six times in his career, winning once and scoring once.
Ex-West Bromwich Albion playmaker Mattheus Pereira also scored, with Moussa Marega formerly of Porto another name that may be recognised.
Should the Blues manage to beat their opponents on Wednesday, they will face one of Palmeiras or Al Ahly in the final of the competition.
It’s the second time that Thomas Tuchel’s men have competed in the Club World Cup, having lost in the final to Brazilian side Corinthians 1-0 in 2012.
Should they win the competition, Chelsea would be the third English side to do so, with Liverpool and Manchester United having already claimed the trophy in 2019 and 2008, respectively.
Thomas Tuchel recently named his squad that travelled over to Abu Dhabi just a day after their 2-1 victory over Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup fourth round.
Right-wing-back Reece James was a surprise inclusion in the travelling party, having previously been ruled out due to a serious injury picked up against Brighton.
However, Tuchel could face a race against time to fly over for the Club World Cup himself.
The German coach recently tested positive for Covid-19, which ruled him out of being on the touchline at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Assistant Arno Michels revealed that Tuchel was in constant communication with the backroom staff, though there was uncertainty over whether he would be able to fly to Abu Dhabi.
Either way, the Blues know they must beat Al-Hilal in the next round to book a place in the final for the competition as they try to become champions of the world.
