Thomas Tuchel was given a great reception by Chelsea players and staff alike as he was reunited with the team in Abu Dhabi.
The German was forced to remain in the UK for the Blues’ opening FIFA Club World Cup clash against Al-Hilal having tested positive for Covid-19.
There was doubt over whether the Champions League winner would be able to link up with the squad at all due to self-isolation and quarantine guidelines in both the UK and the United Arab Emirates.
However, those fears have been allayed with Tuchel having flown out to Abu Dhabi ahead of this weekend’s final with Palmeiras.
After being given the all-clear to join up with the Chelsea camp, the German was pictured giving every member of both the coaching and playing staff a handshake and an embrace having been forced to remain away from the squad following his positive test a week ago.
Whilst he was clearly delighted to again be back with the squad in Abu Dhabi, one man that he was particularly thrilled to see was goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
The Senegalese stopper was also forced to endure a late trip having been over in Cameroon on African Cup of Nations duty.
He proved to be a pivotal member of his nation’s squad as the Teranga Lions scooped their first African title via a penalty shootout against Egypt.
Having spotted Mendy assembled with the rest of the Chelsea squad, Tuchel embraced him and spent some time having a conversation - no doubt revolving around his recent glory.
It goes without saying then that both will be keen to continue that theme whilst they’re back together.
Having lifted both the Champions League and UEFA Super Cup during their stints at Stamford Bridge, they will no doubt be keen to find a way past Palmeiras and thus add another trophy to the Blues’ ever-growing trophy cabinet.
