Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has explained his decision to select Hakim Ziyech as a starter against Manchester United ahead of Timo Werner.
The Morocco international was one of three changes to the Blues side that defeated Atletico Madrid in midweek, with N'Golo Kante and Ben Chilwell also coming in.
With huge challenges lying ahead in the final months of the season, rotation was expected and Chelsea have some significant tests in the near future.
Tuchel's side clash with Liverpool on Thursday before matches against Everton and Leeds United, then hosting Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League tie.
While the clash against United sees Chelsea go head-to-head with a top-four rival, Tuchel's explanation for his team suggested that he sees the match against Liverpool as the most decisive.
“Hakim is a different kind of player. He deserves to start. He had a good impact in the game against Atletico," he said ahead of the game.
“We had the feeling to give Timo a little break, to have him from the bench and also fresh for the fixture against Liverpool.
"I felt him a little bit tired after many games in a row so we give him a rest and let the other guys perform who deserve it.”
Chelsea entered the weekend with just a three-point advantage over Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp's side underperforming after their title-winning campaign last season.
Everton, meanwhile, also sit three points behind ahead of their clash against Southampton tomorrow evening.
