Hiddink replaced Luiz Felipe Scolari as Chelsea manager on a temporary basis this week after the Brazilian paid the price for a series of bad performances that have seen the Blues drop to fourth in the Premier League.

He will be in charge of first-team affairs at Stamford Bridge until the season as he attempts to juggle the task of getting the Blues' title push back on track with his other post as coach of the Russian national team. The dual role is something Hiddink is used to. He guided Australia to the second round of the 2006 World Cup while in charge of PSV Eindhoven.

After Hiddink took the job of Russia coach, Arshavin helped the Dutchman's side to the semi-finals of Euro 2008 and the 27-year-old is worried that Hiddink may leave Russia to become Chelsea's full-time manager, which he believes could have disastrous effects on the national team's future.

"For me, the most important thing is that Hiddink doesn't leave the Russian team," Arshavin told Sport Express.

"If Guus was to quit, our side could just simply collapse without him. I don't see any realistic replacement for him."

"However, if he feels he has the strength to help Chelsea, then that's how it should be."

Arshavin finally completed his reported £15million move the Emirates Stadium on February 3 after the transfer was held up by administrative problems at the Premier League.

Despite going on an 11-match unbeaten run, Arsenal currently lie one place below Hiddink's new side in fifth, one place outside the Champions League qualification places.

Arshavin knows Hiddink's qualities as a manager and is worried that he could affect the Gunners' Champions League hopes with success at Chelsea.

"On one hand, I would like to wish Guus good luck, but on the other hand, Chelsea are now are rivals," he added.

"Also, I am worried that if everything goes well for Guus in London then he will stay with Chelsea for longer."

Arshavin was named among the substitutes by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger for last Sunday's north London derby with Tottenham, which ended in a 0-0 draw.

The former Zenit St Petersburg forward cannot make his debut in Monday's re-scheduled FA Cup fourth round replay with Cardiff but Croatia striker Eduardo, who has been out for a year after his horrific leg break against Birmingham last February, could feature.

He was an unused substitute at White Hart Lane but came off the bench to set up Niko Kranjcar in Croatia's 2-1 friendly win in Romania last night.

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic was delighted at the return of the 25-year-old.

"I am delighted to have Eduardo back and his return is an enormous bonus for us," Bilic said.

"His ball control, the ability to hold it and wait for support has been sorely missed and it makes all the difference."