Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel says form and work rate have both played a part in his decision to bench striker Timo Werner for this afternoon's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.
The German boss, speaking to Sky Sports ahead of kick-off, signalled his intention not to overwork the former RB Leipzig forward following a long run of games in the starting eleven.
Werner has played a part in each of Chelsea's last 20 games in the Premier League, scoring four times and assisting five goals.
But now he has been dropped to the bench with Christian Pulisic replacing him in the starting eleven.
When asked whether the switch was motivated by Werner's lack of form, Tuchel said: "It is on form and on work rate.
"We overused Timo, we are close to overuse. There is no point in doing it. Christian is in good form and I want competition for that position.
"We didn't offer so many chances but for him to show up and challenge with Timo. The right side is the offensive formation with Callum [Hudson-Odoi] instead of Reece [James].
"We reacted well [in training] but we were under pressure with the defeat at West Brom. We need a reaction today and we expect a tough match here at Crystal [Palace].
"We need a restart in the league. We have not done a lot of chances. do not say we rest players ahead of Tuesday, that's not the case. This is important and we have a lot to win."
