Thomas Tuchel says Chelsea would be 'stupid' to think they can win the Premier League title this season amid their current injury crisis.
Chelsea's title hopes diminished further on Wednesday night as they drew 1-1 with Brighton at Stamford Bridge.
The London club are managing a number of injuries and Covid cases within their squad and despite sitting a point clear of Liverpool in the table, the Reds have a game in hand.
The two sides will meet this Sunday in a crucial clash, but Tuchel has already questioned how they are supposed to compete.
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When asked about the title race, the Chelsea boss admitted: "How should we be in it? We have seven Covid cases, we have five or six players out for six or more weeks.
"How should we compete in a title race? Everyone else who has a full squad, everybody in training has the full power to come through this league.
"We would be stupid to think we can do it out of Covid and injuries. Just play and everybody would be stupid to do it without 23 fit players.
"This is the reality, this is where we are and we have to adapt to the demands of the situation which you are in.
"This is what I am saying. I competed very hard for the win at Brighton at home. I don’t know what I can expect from my players in terms of physicality, intensity or minutes.
"Nobody knows anymore because we have never done something like this. We play trial and error and see what I can do. I will protect my team. We can play better but we need the full squad over weeks and weeks."
Manchester City are currently nine points clear of Liverpool in third, although the Reds have played one less game after their Boxing Day clash with Leeds United was postponed.
Jurgen Klopp's side are in a blip themselves after Leicester City beat them 1-0 earlier this week.
The meeting at Stamford Bridge this Sunday is shaping up to be a vital fixture for both sides as they look to close the gap on City.
