Chelsea boss Graham Potter insists Conor Gallagher is in his long-term plans.

He cited tactical decisions as the reason the 23-year-old has been named among the substitutes in recent weeks, with a midfield pair of Enzo Fernandez and Mateo Kovacic preferred for Saturday's 2-2 home draw with Everton.

Gallagher has started 10 times in the Premier League this season, most recently in the goalless draw with Fulham at Stamford Bridge on February 3, and his chances have been limited since the influx of new signings in January and the return of injured players.

Potter said, "We used Kova (Kovacic) and Enzo in midfield, so it was just a tactical decision there.

"Then the front three was Joao (Felix), Kai (Havertz) and Christian Pulisic because of a profile of player, a bit more like dribblers, so I went for Christian in that role (on the left of a front three).

"Conor has been really unlucky because whenever he comes on he does really well. He'll be frustrated and rightly so. But we think the world of him and he's a fantastic team player."