Thomas Tuchel had been forced to miss their early Club World Cup endeavours after testing positive for Covid-19 and going into self-isolation; Tuchel watched Wednesday's 1-0 semi-final win over Al Hilal on television at home in London but has now made it to the United Arab Emirates
Friday 11 February 2022 17:14, UK
Thomas Tuchel has arrived in Abu Dhabi to hand Chelsea a major boost ahead of Saturday's Club World Cup final against Palmeiras.
The Blues' German coach had been forced to miss their early Club World Cup endeavours after testing positive for Covid-19 and going into self-isolation.
The 48-year-old watched Wednesday's 1-0 semi-final win over Al Hilal on television at home in London, but has now made it to the United Arab Emirates in time for Saturday's showpiece showdown.
Tuchel is always an influential touchline presence and his arrival will doubtless hand Chelsea a big lift.
Italy midfielder Jorginho admitted earlier on Friday Chelsea would receive a boost were Tuchel able to arrive and take charge of the Blues.
Asked if Tuchel's presence would make a difference, Jorginho said: "Of course it gives you more, there's more energy in the changing room.
"It'll be really important for us if he could be here."
Chelsea will receive a notable lift from Tuchel's ability to coach his squad in person for Saturday's showdown with Sao Paolo side Palmeiras.
The Blues have already received one boost, however, in the shape of in-form goalkeeper Edouard Mendy's return to the squad.
The 29-year-old is back in the Chelsea camp after helping Senegal claim Africa Cup of Nations glory, and Chelsea assistant coach Zsolt Low admitted Mendy has already had a big impact on his team-mates.
The Blues will have to make a call on whether to continue with an upbeat and confident Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal after his saves ensured their place in Saturday's final, or restore established number one Mendy.
But for now, Mendy's mere presence in the squad has lifted Chelsea's general mood.
"We're very proud of Edou, the whole squad was happy he won the Africa cup," said Low.
"He arrived in a very good mood. He always has a big smile on his face, he's very important to the group and he gives the group a lot of energy.
"He was a little tired the first day, needed recovery and a good sleep, but he is fully involved in training.
"We're very happy that he's healthy and absolutely in good shape with good experience behind him. He's ready to play the game.
"We're very happy with both goalkeepers. It's a comfortable situation to have both goalkeepers like this. Now Edou is back he is fresh, we have to take the decision tonight and we'll talk to Thomas about it.
"The final decision will be some hours before the game but if we decide for one or the other, the one on the bench has nothing to be worried or sad about.
"Both goalkeepers had a big performance in last weeks. This is why it's a question just for this game. Tonight or latest tomorrow."
You can follow Saturday's Club World Cup final with live coverage in our dedicated blog on the Sky Sports app and skysports.com as Chelsea take on Palmeiras; kick-off at 4.30pm.
Romelu Lukaku's first-half strike was enough to send Chelsea through to the Club World Cup final as they held on to beat Al Hilal 1-0 in Abu Dhabi.
Lukaku (32) put Chelsea in front at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Wednesday's semi-final with a close-range effort after Kai Havertz's cross bounced off a defender, falling nicely for the Belgium striker to end a run of five matches without a goal.
Chelsea will play Brazilian side Palmeiras in the final on Saturday.
The Club World Cup is the only trophy Chelsea have not lifted since Roman Abramovich took ownership of the west London club in 2003.
They came close in 2012, but were beaten 1-0 in the final by Brazilian side Corinthians in Japan, which is the last time a European side has failed to win the Club World Cup.
South American champions Palmeiras will be Chelsea's opponents on Saturday after beating Egyptian side Al Ahly 2-0 on Tuesday in the other semi-final.
Palmeiras earned their place in the competition by lifting last season's Copa Libertadores, beating fellow Brazilian side Flamengo 2-1 in extra-time to win South America's version of the Champions League for a second year in a row.
The Copa Libertadores winners have never won the Club World Cup, and will become the fourth Brazilian team to have done so if they overcome Chelsea.
The annual tournament features the champions of the different continents along with the host nation's national champions, with Chelsea qualifying as Champions League winners.
The games were due to be played in Japan, but they pulled out as hosts last month because of the high number of coronavirus cases in the country so the tournament is being held in the United Arab Emirates.
Semi-finals
Palmeiras 2-0 Al Ahly - Tuesday February 8
Al Hilal 0-1 Chelsea - Wednesday February 9
Third-place match
Al Hilal vs Al Ahly - Saturday February 12 (1pm kick-off) - Al Nahyan Stadium
Final
Chelsea vs Palmeiras - Saturday February 12 (4.30pm kick-off) - Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium
Chelsea's trip to Brighton on Tuesday February 8 and the home match with Arsenal on February 12 were postponed due to Chelsea's commitments in the UAE. However, Tuchel's side have already played that rearranged Brighton game on Tuesday January 18, drawing 1-1, so they are technically missing just one game which will be rearranged in due course.
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