Chelsea have been drawn to face Auckland Metropolis, Al Jazira or Al Hilal within the semi-finals of the FIFA Membership World Cup.
The event takes place between February 3 and 12 subsequent 12 months within the United Arab Emirates.
Thomas Tuchel’s facet will enter the competitors on the last-four stage after beating Premier League rivals Manchester Metropolis in final season’s Champions League closing.
Saudi Arabian membership Al Hilal will play the winner of the opening match between hosts Al Jazira and New Zealand facet Auckland, with the Blues awaiting the victors of that subsequent second-round conflict.
Within the different facet of the draw, Egyptian membership Al Ahly will tackle Mexican facet Monterrey for the possibility to progress to a semi-final assembly with Copa Libertadores winner Palmeiras.
Chelsea’s solely earlier look within the competitors got here in 2012 after they suffered a 1-0 closing defeat to Brazilian membership Corinthians.
Since then, the European membership has gained every version, with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich the present holders.
The upcoming event was initially resulting from be held in Japan this winter earlier than being moved to the UAE because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
How will Membership World Cup have an effect on Chelsea’s Premier League schedule?
Chelsea’s involvement within the Membership World Cup will imply their Premier League video games with Brighton and Arsenal need to be rearranged.
The Blues have been resulting from journey to Brighton on Tuesday, February 8 after which host Arsenal on Saturday, February 12.
Nevertheless, the Brighton recreation would have clashed with Chelsea’s semi-final within the Membership World Cup and, with each the ultimate and third-place play-off for that competitors happening on February 12, the Blues will probably be in any other case engaged for the unique Arsenal date.
It’s but to be confirmed when these Brighton and Arsenal fixtures will probably be moved to, however February will probably be a busy month for Chelsea.
In addition they have the primary leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on the midweek of both February 15-16 or February 22-23, and Premier League video games with Crystal Palace (February 19) and Leicester (February 26).
They is also in FA Cup fourth spherical motion on the weekend of February 5, earlier than heading to the United Arab Emirates.
CLUB WORLD CUP DRAW
First spherical
Match 1: Al Jazira v Auckland Metropolis FC
Second spherical
Match 2: Al Ahly v Monterrey
Match 3: Al Hilal v Al Jazira/ Auckland Metropolis FC
Semi-final
Palmeiras v Match 2 winner
Match 3 winner v Chelsea