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How Chelsea could face Al-Hilal with James OUT and Mount & Mendy doubtful

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CHELSEA are set to be without a number of key players for tomorrow’s Club World Cup semi-final against Al-Hilal.

The Blues are in Abu Dhabi looking to win the competition for the first time.

But the European champions must first get past Saudi Arabian giants and Asian Champions League winners Al-Hilal.

Thomas Tuchel will not be present as he continues to recover from Covid.

And assistant boss Arno Michels faces a selection dilemma while also taking Saturday’s grand final into account.

He will be without long-term casualties Ben Chilwell and Reece James, despite the latter at one stage looking set for a miracle recovery.

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Meanwhile, Mason Mount is a serious doubt after coming off injured in the FA Cup win over Plymouth Argyle.

And Edouard Mendy is unlikely to feature after leading Senegal to Afcon glory on Sunday. 

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It means Michels is likely to continue with a four-man defence, which Chelsea have used in their last three matches and five times in the last seven.

In a 4-3-3 shape, the system for the last two games, Kepa Arrizbalaga is sure to be in goal.

And he could be guarded by a backline made up of Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger and Malang Sarr.

Jorginho is likely to dictate possession from a deep midfield possession, with N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic bombing forward to support the attack.

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Up front, Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi are likely to provide support from the flanks while Romelu Lukaku leads the line as striker.

But Michels could yet opt for a 4-2-2-2 formation, which Chelsea recently used against Spurs and Brighton, while also rotating his squad.

That could see Andreas Christensen and Marcos Alonso come into the defence.

Meanwhile, Christian Pulisic will be hoping for a chance on the wing.

And attacking changes could see maligned Germans Kai Havertz and Timo Werner also get a run-out following their recent surprise benching.

Discussing Chelsea’s options ahead of the game, first-team coach Zsolt Low said: “Mason is getting better and better every day.

“We are running with the time, but we will see how he moves today, how he feels today, and then we will take a last decision tomorrow.

“Reece James, no, there is no chance he plays in the Club World Cup. He is in a very, very good way, but he missed still some days, some training sessions to enjoy the group again, or have the possibility to play the game.

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“Mendy arrives later today or tomorrow. We will see how he is, how tired he is. He has to arrive first, we have to check him, we have to talk to him. We will see in a few days whether there is a possibility he plays.

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“This is a good situation for the coaches where we have two amazing goalkeepers. Mendy did a fantastic performance, he won the Africa Cup, and was the best goalkeeper at the tournament.

“Kepa has done an amazing job and in the last game saved a very important penalty. He is also in very good shape.

“For sure when Mendy arrives we will have talks, also with the goalkeeper coaches, and we will take a decision afterwards.”

Source: The Sun

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