Chelsea’s semi-final opponent in Club World Cup confirmed, as two Premier league games re-schedule
According to reports, The Blues will face Al Hilal, Al Jazira or Auckland City in their Club World Cup semi-final in February after the draw for the tournament was made on Monday afternoon.
However, the tournament will hold between February 3 and 12 in the United Arab Emirates. This means Chelsea will have to rearrange two Premier League games and potentially one FA Cup tie.
The timing of the tournament means Chelsea will see their trip to Brighton on February 8 and their home clash against Arsenal on February 12 rearranged, plus a FA Cup fourth round fixture on February 5.
Our participation in the Club World Cup could see us go a month without playing top-flight football between January 23 and February 19.
Chelsea will join the tournament at the semi-final stage along with Brazilian side Palmeiras, who won the Copa Libertadores. The Brazilian side will take on either the winner of host nation Al Jazira versus Auckland City, or Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal in the last four.
The Blues will be hoping to win the Club World Cup after failing to do so the last time we won the Champions League.