Chelsea rule out crucial first-team defender from featuring in today’s CWC semi-final

Chelsea ace Reece James will not be playing in their FIFA Club World Cup fixture against Al Hilal

In his press conference ahead of the fixture against Al Hilal (h/t Chelsea official site), Chelsea coach Zsolt Low confirmed that Reece James will not be featuring in the match.

The Blues have lifted many prestigious trophies across Europe and England in their illustrious history but have still not managed to get their hands on the Club World Cup. The West Londoners came close to lifting the trophy back in 2012 but failed to cross the last hurdle losing to Brazilian club Corinthians in the final.

Chelsea could finally get another shot at redemption if they can defeat Al-Za’eem. That being said, the London based-club will have to take on the Saudi football club without their 22-year-old star right back. The youngster has become an integral part of the defensive setup at Stamford Bridge.

Zsolt Low made it very clear in his press conference ahead of the fixture against Al Hilal that the 22-year-old will not be able to partake in the game. The coach also insisted that James was coming up to par with some training sessions with the group:

‘For 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.’

Reece James and what Chelsea will be missing ahead of their tie

James provides a great attacking threat going forward. He has managed to score five goals and provide six assists in 23 matches across all competitions for the defending UEFA Champions League champions this season. The youngster hasn’t featured for the Blues since December 29th. His inclusion in the squad gave the fans a ray of hope but Low’s latest update confirms that the English professional footballer will have to wait a bit longer for his return on the pitch.

Cesar Azpilicueta has filled in aptly for the 22-year old in his absence and would be the most likely candidate to replace him in that position. The Spanish international will also have some added impetus to go the extra mile as he could potentially become the only Chelsea player to win the Club World Cup, the Premier League title, Champions League, Europa League, European Super Cup, FA Cup, and League Cup this week.

The club had received another setback when Thomas Tuchel tested positive for Covid-19 which means that the German won’t be making the trip to Abu Dhabi. Arno Michels and Low have been trying to fill in for the former Borussia Dortmund manager as much as possible in the run-up to the game.

The Hungarian professional coach also hinted that Mason Mount was developing well but there is no confirmation as of yet whether the club will decide to take the risk and play him. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder picked up a knock in the 96th minute of their last FA Cup fixture against Plymouth Argyle and had to be substituted from the pitch.

More Chelsea News

• Chelsea accused of being handed unfair advantage by Al Hilal boss Leonardo Jardim
• Chelsea skipper Cesar Azpilicueta refuses to comment on his future with the club ahead of FIFA Club World Cup campaign
• Raphinha opens up on his future amidst links to Chelsea amongst others

The FIFA Club World Cup is a prestigious trophy and Chelsea would be hoping to get their hands on it this time around. The fans would be hoping that the team can put up a dominant performance over Al Hilal to secure their place in the final of the competition. Whilst Reece James will be unavailable the others will have to step up and do their bit for the team.