REECE JAMES is OUT of Chelsea’s Club World Cup squad – despite travelling to Abu Dhabi.
But Edouard Mendy looks set to feature in the tournament just days after winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.
James, 22, was included in the travelling party heading out to the Middle East on Sunday.
The right-back has not featured since picking up a hamstring injury against Brighton in December.
But despite returning to training and being in the UAE, the updated Fifa squad list does not include ten-cap England international James.
However, it does include goalkeeper Mendy.
The shot-stopper made one save during the penalty shootout, parrying Mohanad Lasheen’s tame effort away.
That set Sadio Mane up with the winning penalty, smashing into the bottom corner to get one over his Liverpool pal Mo Salah.
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Mendy, Mane and Co are set to head for a celebration homecoming in Senegal – with the goalkeeper then flying directly to the Middle East, where he could feature in the final.
Chelsea – whose manager Thomas Tuchel is still isolating with Covid – received a bye into the semi-finals of the tournament and will play Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal on Wednesday.
If they make it through to the final, they will then face Brazilian team Palmeiras or Egyptian side Al Ahly for the trophy on Saturday.
Chelsea’s only previous appearance in the Club World Cup was back in 2012 when they lost 1-0 to Corinthians in the final.
Meanwhile, Tuchel’s side are not in domestic action until February 19 when they travel to Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Chelsea Club World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Marcus Bettinelli, Edouard Mendy
Defenders: Antonio Rudiger, Marcos Alonso, Andreas Christensen, Thiago Silva, Trevoh Chalobah, Cesar Azpilicueta, Malang Sarr
Midfielders: Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Saul Niguez, Ross Barkley, Mason Mount
Forwards: Romelu Lukaku, Christian Pulisic, Timo Werner, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Hakim Ziyech, Kenedy, Kai Havertz
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk