Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri defended Gonzalo Higuain after defeat to Everton.

Higuain had returned after suffering an illness during the week.

Sarri said, "You have to stay in the match if you are not able to score. In the first half we had six or seven goal opportunities. We were not able to score but we had only to stay in the match and defend very well, and sooner or later if you are able to create the opportunities you score.

"Today Gonzalo Higuain had an opportunity," he added, "but too few for him. He had a problem at the start of the week, a strong stomach ache with fever so today it is normal he was able to play for 60 to 65 minutes, but he needs to improve his physical and mental condition."