Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri says he left out Ross Barkley against Manchester United to protect the midfielder against fatigue.
Barkley played for England against Croatia and Spain over the international break and has to be content with a place on the bench despite rekindling some of his better form in recent weeks.
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Sarri opted to deploy loan signing Mateo Kovacic in midfield alongside NGolo Kante and Jorginho.
Sarri, talking to Sky Sports before the game, said: “[Mateo] Kovavic played only the first game over the international break, so I think think he is fresher. Im very happy with Ross too, Ross has played two matches in four days so for today I thought it was better to play with Kovacic.”
Sarri will be hoping to continue the Blues unbeaten run and open up a two-point gap to Liverpool at the top of the Premier League with three points against United but admitted he is wary of the threat Jose Mourinhos pose on the counter attack.
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He added: “I dont know what kind of game to expect. In the starting 11, they are very offensive, but we want to follow our philosophy, have possession and be in control of the match. But we want to avoid the counter-attack too.
MORE: Why Alexis Sanchez is on the bench for Manchester Uniteds Premier League clash with Chelsea
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Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri says he left out Ross Barkley against Manchester United to protect the midfielder against fatigue.
Barkley played for England against Croatia and Spain over the international break and has to be content with a place on the bench despite rekindling some of his better form in recent weeks.
More: Football
Sarri opted to deploy loan signing Mateo Kovacic in midfield alongside NGolo Kante and Jorginho.
Sarri, talking to Sky Sports before the game, said: “[Mateo] Kovavic played only the first game over the international break, so I think think he is fresher. Im very happy with Ross too, Ross has played two matches in four days so for today I thought it was better to play with Kovacic.”
Sarri will be hoping to continue the Blues unbeaten run and open up a two-point gap to Liverpool at the top of the Premier League with three points against United but admitted he is wary of the threat Jose Mourinhos pose on the counter attack.
Advertisement Advertisement
He added: “I dont know what kind of game to expect. In the starting 11, they are very offensive, but we want to follow our philosophy, have possession and be in control of the match. But we want to avoid the counter-attack too.
MORE: Why Alexis Sanchez is on the bench for Manchester Uniteds Premier League clash with Chelsea
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