Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri defended his team selection for their win at Cardiff City.

Sarri chose not to start with Eden Hazard and N'Golo Kante.

He stated, "I cannot think Kante and Hazard can play 70 matches in a season. Kante has played 50 or 51 games, Hazard 48 with today. They played two games for their national teams with Hazard playing 185 minutes and Kante 175 minutes.

"In every season there is a moment when you have to rest. In the end we were lucky because we gaine three points and Hazard played only 35 minutes and Kante zero minutes. It is important for us to have them in good physical condition for the last seven matches of the Premier League. I know they are very important players but they cannot play 70 matches so sometimes you have decide. It is not easy but you have to choose the right moment."