Russia boss Hiddink, in Cardiff for his country's World Cup qualifier with Wales tomorrow, is confident Chelsea will glean fresh motivation after being found guilty of breaking the rules in their acquisition of former Lens youngster Gael Kakuta - and prevented from buying any players in the next two transfer windows.

The Blues plan an appeal - and Hiddink, boss at Stamford Bridge last season, said: "Chelsea's reaction was very firm.

"With good reason, they will go to the courts in Switzerland. But I know the team very well, and I know that their reaction will be even stronger in their performances."

Hiddink knows Chelsea have the right attributes to bounce back on the field.

"They are strong physically, tactically and also mentally," he said. "They will react strongly.

"I had no indication whatsoever when I was in charge of Chelsea that there were any such problems.

"There are laws and regulations - and as long as everyone sticks to that, then everything continues normally."

Hiddink has more pressing problems to occupy his mind over the fitness of Arsenal midfielder Andrei Arshavin, who missed Saturday's 3-0 win in Liechtenstein with a groin injury.

Spurs striker Roman Pavlyuchenko scored two penalties to put Russia just one point behind group leaders Germany, with the one automatic qualification spot likely to be decided when the pair clash in Moscow on October 10.

Russia must win in Cardiff to maintain their challenge, with Germany at home to Azerbaijan the same night.

Hiddink believes Arshavin will be fit but has serious doubts over Chelsea winger Yuri Zhirkov, who is struggling with a knee injury.

He said: "In our last training session in St Petersburg, Arshavin did everything he had to do - but Zhirkov was not training full out.

"I expect that Zhirkov will not be fit.

"I have to see whether Arshavin has any reaction. We will make a late decision, but at the moment I do not see any problem.

"We do not take stupid risks, and neither does he. Arsenal need not worry - the correct decision will be made."

Russia cannot afford to slip up against Wales.

"We want to be in the driving seat in October - so we have to win in Cardiff, which is not easy," said Hiddink.

"We are still down a bit on Germany, and I cannot see them dropping many more points. Second place is okay - and we are on target.

"But we must win against Wales to give us the chance to overtake Germany when we play them in October."

Hiddink has great respect for Wales, and his opposite number John Toshack.

"Wales have mobility, pace and good width about their game," he said.

"Craig Bellamy is always alert and a fine player, and we will need to be careful with him.

"John Toshack has some very good young players, and we will give them every respect.

"It will be a difficult game. Wales are a very competitive team. Their chances of qualification are minimal, but they will show their fighting spirit.

"We have to be very aware of their danger. We need to be tough to get a good result here."

Dynamo Moscow centre-back Denis Kolodin is out with a hamstring problem, while Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Igor Denisov is suspended.