Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is ready to play against Palmeiras in the Club World Cup Final, but Zsolt Low stopped short of confirming he would be starting the match on Saturday.
The Senegal international joined up with the rest of the squad in Abu Dhabi late following his AFCON success and as a result had to settle for a place on the bench as Kepa Arrizabalaga continued to deputise.
Mendy required some recovery time following his celebrations but Kepa put in an outstanding performance against Al-Hilal, as his second half heroics defended Chelsea's lead in the game.
In previewing the game, Low confirmed the importance of Mendy's return however.
He said: "We're very proud of Edou. The whole squad was happy he won the Africa Cup. He arrives in a very good mood. Always has a big smile on his face.
"He's very important to the group. He gives a lot of energy. He was a little tired the first day, needed recovery and a good sleep, but he is fully involved in training.
"We're very happy that he's healthy and absolutely in good shape with good experience behind him. He's ready to play the game."
While Mendy has racked up awards for his goalkeeping prowess in the last 12 months, Kepa has showed good form during his teammate's January absence.
The 27-year-old manage to keep four clean sheets during the period but Mendy earned the honour of the Goalkeeper of the Tournament following Senegal's win over Egypt.
Low conceded that the Blues coaching staff have a difficult decision ahead of them.
He said: "We're very happy with both goalkeepers. It's a comfortable situation to have both goalkeepers like this.
"Now Edou is back he is fresh, we have to take the decision tonight. We talk to Thomas about it.
"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 last weeks. This is why it's a question just for this game. Tonight or latest tomorrow."
