Chelsea vs LAFC live: Latest team news and updates from Club World Cup

Thomas Tuchel was musing about the knock-on effect of the Club World Cup on next season’s title race. “I think it will have a huge impact and it will give Liverpool and Arsenal a huge advantage in the next season to not be there,” he said.

What Tuchel did not mention is that Chelsea, disadvantaged as a result, qualified for the Club World Cup because of him. It feels a very different era given that Enzo Maresca is the fifth man to manage them since – Graham Potter, Bruno Saltor, Frank Lampard and Mauricio Pochettino are the others – and that Reece James is the only player to take the field in Tuchel’s 2021 Champions League final victory who is in the squad they have taken to the United States.

The Fifa Club World Cup is underway, launching a jam-packed month of action in the United States that will see 32 of the best club sides in world football vie for international glory.

Several veteran footballers like Lionel Messi will attempt to add to their legacy by winning the ultimate prize in New Jersey, whilst other promising youngsters will be looking to announce themselves on the international stage.

A handful of fine performances may also convince clubs to table bids once the transfer window reopens too.

The Club World Cup continues with Chelsea facing LAFC in Atlanta. Kick off is at 8pm BST for the Group D fixture.