Kepa strength identified as Chelsea receive triple Club World Cup fitness boost

Chelsea supporters watching the FA Cup draw on Sunday morning would have done so with a sense of relief.

The Blues needed extra time and a late Kepa Arrizabalaga penalty save to advance 2-1 against Plymouth Argyle. The European champions have been handed a winnable fifth-round draw too, with an away trip to Luton Town to come.

Manager Thomas Tuchel will be hoping Saturday's stodgy performance will have knocked off some rust, as the team prepare to take part in the Club World Cup in the coming days. Chelsea are set to be in action on Wednesday at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

After Chelsea spent a world-record sum to bring Kepa to Stamford Bridge, the Spain international has endured a torrid time at Stamford Bridge.

However, the goalkeeper enjoyed a rare high point on Saturday, as his penalty save prevented a possible shootout with the League One outfit and effectively booked Chelsea's spot in the next round.

Following the game, Chelsea assistant Arno Michels hailed the performance of the former Athletic Club stopper.

"In the last few matches, I’ve felt him very reliable in his game," he said. "His strength is to save penalties, he’s shown it a few times now: in the Carabao Cup twice, against Villarreal, and even in training, it’s hard to beat him."

Reece James, Christian Pulisic and N'Golo Kante were all part of Chelsea's travelling party for the Club World Cup.

The former has been a major miss for the Blues in recent weeks, as they've won just one Premier League game of the four played since he was injured at the end of December.

It is not thought that James will play a part in the competition, although supporters will be encouraged by the sight of the right-back around the first team squad. The inclusions of