Kai Havertz makes his first Chelsea start in a month and the German's return is one of three changes made the starting XI for this afternoon's Club World Cup semi-final against Al Hilal.
Havertz has fallen behind Romelu Lukaku, Mason Mount, Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi in the attacking pecking order since the turn of the year but has an opportunity to reassert himself in the side in Abu Dhabi.
There will be no Thomas Tuchel on the sidelines once again as the Chelsea head coach is still in self-isolation having tested positive for Covid last Friday. His assistant, Zsolt Low, who undertook the pre-match media duties, is expected to lead the Blues as they bid to reach the Club World Cup final for the second time.
A strong Chelsea side has been picked. In goal is Kepa Arrizabalaga, who deservedly maintains his spot despite Edouard Mendy joining up with the squad this morning after winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.
It appears as though the Blues have reverted to Tuchel's favoured 3-4-2-1 shape with the three centre-backs consisting of Andreas Christensen, Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger.
Cesar Azpilicueta is deployed at right wing-back while Marcos Alonso will be on the left flank; the Spaniards will be hoping to add to the goals they struck against Plymouth in the FA Cup on Saturday.
There is a surprise in midfield with Jorginho starting once more despite the fact the Italian played 120 minutes at the weekend. He will be partnered by Mateo Kovacic in what appears a double six.
Who makes up the Chelsea attack is also a point of debate and there have been no risks taken with Mason Mount after he sustained a knock against Plymouth. The England international is among the substitutes, as are Callum Hudson-Odoi, Christian Pulisic and Timo Werner.
Hakim Ziyech, the Blues' only in-form forward, keeps his spot on the right of the front three while Romelu Lukaku is afforded yet another opportunity to rediscover his goalscoring touch.
The Belgian has netted just once – and against Chesterfield – since his controversial interview with Sky Italia was released at the end of December.
Havertz completes the attack and will want to get on the scoresheet for the first time since January 8 when he struck against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Chelsea: Kepa; Christensen, Silva, Rudiger; Azpilicueta, Kovacic, Jorginho, Alonso; Ziyech, Lukaku, Havertz
Chelsea substitutes: Kante, Pulisic, Werner, Bettinelli, Chalobah, Mendy, Saul, Barkley, Mount, Hudson-Odi, Kenedy, Sarr
