Graham Potter has revealed why he has opted for Ben Chilwell instead of Marc Cucurella at left-back. The England international has been handed his first start for Chelsea since suffering a hamstring injury in November — and he's been thrown into the deep end as the Blues lock horns with Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League round of 16.
Chilwell limped off the pitch in the final stages of Chelsea's win over Dinamo Zagreb in the group stages. The 26-year-old pulled up clutching the back of his thigh in the fourth minute of added time before he was helped off the field by Chelsea medical staff.
As a result, he missed the chance to represent England at the World Cup in Qatar. Chilwell has featured a number of times since the turn of the year with cameo appearances off the bench to rebuild his match fitness.
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Now, he's been thrown into the starting lineup. Speaking on BT Sport, Potter explained why he has decided to drop Cucurella in favour of Chilwell.
"Ben Chilwell is coming in for Marc and he gives us a different type of profile for that position," the Blues boss said. "We've been building him up with regards to his fitness and I think he's ready to start tonight."
Chelsea supporters have long-awaited the return of the Englishman. When Cucurella was replaced by Chilwell in the Blues' clash against West Ham, he was subject to great boos from the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand where the Chelsea supporters were located.
After the clash, Potter defended the out-of-form Spaniard. In his pre-match press conference, he said: "They are humans with private lives and things going on. Marc is not the only one. At the same time, you understand supporters pay their money and the most important thing is what happens on that pitch over 90 minutes.
"But nevertheless, players have to deal with stuff. Marc is fine, he's going about his work. He knows he is probably not in the best moment of form but he isn't the only player who has to come through a moment.
"He is a player the club invested money in during the summer and it is our job to help him, support him, and bring him to the place where he is showing everyone his qualities."
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