Chelsea’s second training session in Abu Dhabi was boosted by the return of Mason Mount, who did some light training with the rest of the group before working individually as he builds up his fitness.
Mount missed yesterday’s session having felt pain during the weekend win over Plymouth, but he was initially part of a squad of 21 players put through their paces by coaches Arno Michels and Zsolt Low this afternoon in Thomas Tuchel’s continued absence.
Having trained separately yesterday depending on their level of involvement against Plymouth, all the outfielders were united for the start of the session with our opposition in Wednesday’s Club World Cup semi-final now known. Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia await.
Mount then moved to the side of the pitch to do some solo work before watching the rest of the session unfold as the sun set over the training ground facility adjacent to the team hotel. Short, crisp passing, typically competitive small-sided games and penalty practice were the order of the day.
Reece James and Edouard Mendy were the only absentees today (Monday), with our Africa Cup of Nations champion expected to join up with his club team-mates later this week. There is some celebrating back home in Senegal to do first!
Chelsea will train tomorrow at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium where we will play Al Hilal on Wednesday. There will also be a press conference to preview that game. Low and captain Cesar Azpilicueta will be answering the media's questions.