Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has praised midfielder Ramires, labelling him as a 'champion'.
The Brazil international is recovering from a slight groin injury and will not be available for Tuesday night's Capital One Cup quarter-final against Derby County but that has not stopped his boss from singing his praises.
"Ramires is being a champion, fantastic professional, step by step, working hard, always available for the team," he told Chelsea TV.
"He's not ready to start a game. He comes to the bench and every time we can, we give him a little bit."
Ramires has made a total of 12 appearances for the Blues this season with eight of those coming off the bench but it is evidenced by Mourinho's comments that he continues to be a strong character around the squad despite a lack of game time.
