Mauricio Pochettino has now admitted that one Chelsea player was struggling with fatigue during tonight’s EFL Cup victory against Newcastle tonight.
He told Sky Sports that defender Levi Colwill was feeling tired in the first half, and this is why he was replaced for Malo Gusto at the interval.
The Blues went through to the semi-finals of the competition in dramatic circumstances as they were victorious on penalties at Stamford Bridge.
It looked as if they were heading out in the final moments, with a Benoit Badiashile error setting up Callum Wilson for the opener.
However, Mykhailo Mudryk slotted home an equaliser which saw the game extended, and the Blues were then absolutely perfect from the spot.
One substitution that was made early on was Colwill being replaced, with him being one of the four centre-backs who started the game.
Colwill struggling with tiredness
His replacement, Gusto, had an immediate impact in an attacking sense, which certainly helped with the Blues creating some more clear-cut chances.
Pochettino has now admitted this decision was made due to the Englishman suffering with tiredness.
He said: “No, that was more tactic. I told him that he was a little bit tired at the end of the first half and we are playing a lot of games, he is playing a lot of games.
“And we wanted to use Malo who was a little bit more offensive down his side. But, no, Levi is going to be ready for next game.”
It remains to be seen whether he will have recovered enough to take part again on Christmas Eve against Wolves.
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