Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel says he won't gift Christian Pulisic a Premier League start.

Pulisic is yet to start a Premier League match since Tuchel's managerial appointment on January 26 - with the American having come off the bench on six occasions since.

"When you sign and play for Chelsea, it's part of the job description to be patient and impatient at the same time. All of my players are competitors and they want to play every minute," he said at his Friday press conference ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash at Leeds United.

"At the same time, when you're not selected, you have to stay patient and not lose confidence.

"When it was possible for him to start around Sheffield United and Barnsley, one game came too soon and Barnsley wasn't easy.

"If you turn it around, it's the duty of the players to show up and really earn to play. This is what Christian does.

"I feel in the last days he's been very positive and doing the very best in his situation."