Chelsea assistant coach Zsolt Low has suggested that goalkeeper Edouard Mendy will start against Palmeiras in Saturday's Club World Cup final.
With the semi-final versus Al-Hilal taking place three days after Mendy won the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal, the first-choice stopper was named on the substitutes' bench.
Despite Kepa Arrizabalaga continuing to star in his absence, Low has hinted that Mendy will return to the side by talking up the 29-year-old.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Low said: "We're very proud of Edou. The whole squad was happy he won the Africa Cup.
"He arrives in a very good mood. Always has a big smile on his face. He's very important to the group. He gives 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."
While Arrizabalaga has impressed over the past five weeks, Mendy played an important role as Chelsea qualified for this competition by winning the Champions League.
Darren Plant
