Chelsea kick-off only their second-ever Club World Cup campaign on Wednesday as they take on Saudi outfit Al Hilal in Abu Dhabi.
After lifting the Champions League back in May, the Blues earned a place in the competition and will now be aiming to add another trophy to their glistening cabinet.
It goes without saying then that Thomas Tuchel - or indeed Zslot Low who is overseeing proceedings in the German’s absence - will want the club’s best players available.
With the Blues’ squad for the tournament having already been announced, football.london takes a look at the latest injury news and updates ahead of Wednesday’s clash.
Mason Mount
The midfielder is a slight doubt ahead of the game having been withdrawn due to injury in Chelsea’s FA Cup victory against Plymouth Argyle.
He has travelled to Dubai and has been pictured taking part in training but it remains to be seen whether he will be fit enough to take to the pitch.
What has been said: “Mason is getting better and better every day. We'll see how he moves and feels today and take the last decision tomorrow with Mason.”
Expected return date: Al-Hilal (N) - February 9
Reece James
Whilst Mount could potentially be called upon, one man who almost certainly won’t be is his England colleague Reece James.
The defender has been restricted to the sidelines since suffering a long-term injury at home against Brighton.
He has made the trip over to the tournament but it is not looking likely that he will play any part whatsoever.
What has been said: “Reece James, no chance he'll play in the cup. He's in a very good way but will miss still some days, some training session. He's here to enjoy the group again.”
Expected return date: N/A
Edouard Mendy
Mount and James have both been restricted to the sidelines with injury but the same can certainly not be said of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
The Senegalese is fresh off the back of winning the Africa Cup of Nations so it remains to be seen if he can be drafted straight back in.
What has been said: “Mendy will arrive probably later today or tomorrow and we'll see how tired he is. He has to arrive first, we have to check him and talk to him. We'll see if it's possible he plays, maybe.”
Expected return date: Club World Cup Final (N) - February 12
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
The midfielder has been left out of the Chelsea squad for the tournament having picked up a knock ahead of the weekend’s clash with Plymouth.
It appears to have been deemed serious enough to keep him out of the Club World Cup and so he will hope to make his return in the Premier League.
Expected return date: Crystal Palace (A) - February 19
Ben Chilwell
Chilwell’s return is expected to come some considerable time after the rest of his teammates.
After suffering a cruciate ligament injury - and undergoing resultant reconstructive surgery - against Juventus, he is now ruled out until at least the end of the campaign.
Expected return date: 2022/23 season
