https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2022/02/08/
zsolt-low-chelsea-press-conference-al-hilal
Latest on Mount and James's fitness, and Mendy's return date
08 Feb 2022
Men's first team coach Zsolt Low was on press conference duty at the
Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium ahead of tomorrow's Club World Cup semi-final,
and the Hungarian provided an update on Mason Mount, Reece James and
Edouard Mendy's availability.
https://i.imgur.com/TQzIZl7.jpg
With Thomas Tuchel in the UK following protocol having tested positive for
Covid-19, Low and Arno Michels are taking training here in Abu Dhabi. Part
of their extra responsibilities include stepping in for Tuchel to address
the media, and Low answered their questions before open training today at
the stadium where we will meet Al Hilal on Wednesday.
With a mix of local, British and Saudi journalists in attendance, the line
of questioning was varied, but the headline news regarded Mount, who
picked up a knock at the weekend, James, who travelled to Abu Dhabi
unexpectedly, and Mendy, our recent Africa Cup of Nations winner. Mount is
the only one in contention to play tomorrow.
'Mason is getting better and better every day,' reported Low. 'We are
running with the time, but we will see how he moves today, how he feels
today, and then we will take a last decision tomorrow.
https://i.imgur.com/8YKh9T5.jpg
Reece travelled with the group but won't be involved this week
'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.'
Mendy will soon report for duty and Low admitted replacing Kepa wouldn't
be easy.
'Mendy arrives later today or tomorrow. We will see how he is, how tired
he is. He has to arrive first, we have to check him, we have to talk to
him. We will see in a few days whether there is a possibility he plays.
https://i.imgur.com/FsDfdN8.jpg
Our weekend penalty heroes!
'This is a good situation for the coaches where we have two amazing
goalkeepers. Mendy did a fantastic performance, he won the Africa Cup, and
was the best goalkeeper at the tournament. Kepa has done an amazing job
and in the last game saved a very important penalty. He is also in very
good shape.
'For sure when Mendy arrives we will have talks, also with the goalkeeper
coaches, and we will take a decision afterwards.'
Low was also asked about the amazing scenes in Dakar as Senegal revelled
in their maiden AFCON triumph
'We were very happy for Mendy. This is a very important thing for him and
for all African players, to win the Africa Cup.
https://i.imgur.com/LLyK0cQ.jpg
The former Hungarian international was an engaging speaker
'He did an amazing performance. It was very important to celebrate with
his team-mates, and with his country. It was a nice celebration!'