Chelsea confirmed XI vs Palmeiras: Edouard Mendy and N'Golo Kante return, Hakim Ziyech dropped

Edouard Mendy has returned between the Chelsea posts for this evening’s Club World Cup final against Palmeiras at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, with Mason Mount also back in the starting XI having emerged from the bench in Wednesday’s semi-final win over Al Hilal.

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Mendy linked up with his teammates on Wednesday morning having had two days to celebrate Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations win last weekend. He spent the first 24 hours in Abu Dhabi recovering before taking a full part in training on Thursday and yesterday.

The change will be viewed by many as harsh on Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has performed well in Mendy's absence. The Spain international made two impressive stops in the semi-final and saved a penalty in the FA Cup fourth-round win over Plymouth Argyle last Saturday.

A point of debate ahead of the game was whether Thomas Tuchel would stick with his tried and trusted 3-4-2-1 shape or move to a back four. The Chelsea head coach has gone with the former.

Andreas Christensen will begin on the right of the back three with Thiago Silva in the centre. Antonio Rudiger starts on the left once more.

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