Chelsea keeper Mendy ‘ready to play’ in Club World Cup final after Afcon title-run

Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is “absolutely ready to play” in Saturday’s Club World Cup final against Palmeiras, according to Blues assistant coach Zsolt Low.

Mendy is available after helping Senegal win the Africa Cup of Nations.

Kepa Arrizabalaga played for Chelsea in Mendy’s absence in the semi-final win against Al Hilal.

The Blues also hope boss Thomas Tuchel will be able to attend the final after missing the last game with Covid-19.

Low says he will speak to Tuchel before a decision is made on who will start in goal in Abu Dhabi.

“We will talk to Thomas about it,” he said.

“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 the last weeks and this is why it’s a question just for this game.”