The problem with Chelsea’s endless injury crisis is not only that it weakens the quality of player available – it’s also that is reduces the chance for rotation.
Mauricio Pochettino would dearly love to give some players a break, but he has little choice.
The players in the red zone are obvious – Axel Disasi has played a team topping 1943 minutes this season, the equivalent of 21.6 90 minutes games. Next is Connor Gallagher who has played 1913 minutes, then Thiago Silva and Levi Colwill (1773 and 1738 respectively).
All of those players could do with some games off – but right now the options just aren’t there to give them that. Disasi is always needed either in central defence or right back, given injuries there, while Colwill is effectively our only left back with both other options out.
Conor Gallagher is playing a frenzied 90 minutes every week without anyone suitable to replace him, while Thiago Silva is given the occasional break – but has still played more minutes than any other centre back.
Those injured players can’t come back soon enough, or these four will be the next to pick up serious problems.
