Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino defends injury-hit team from critics - 'It's not fair to judge players'

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has said it is "not fair" to judge his players, adding that he has not had a "fit squad" to choose from due to persistent injury issues throughout the season.

Pochettino had eight of his squad missing through injury in their 2-2 draw at Premier League bottom side Sheffield United on Sunday, while Enzo Fernandez and Axel Disasi are the freshest injury concerns.

The Argentine boss said it is unfair to place judgement on the side when injuries begin to effect squad depth and competition for places.

"It should be fair for us to have a fit squad, to prove that we are a good squad and that we can compete for big things," Pochettino told a news conference on Friday.

"At the moment it is not fair to judge players. It's very tough when you don't have the squad fit, we want to increase the competition between them, but that's not an excuse.

"I don't want to talk about excuses. Now I want to be positive, it’s a good opportunity for the young guys."

Chelsea are unbeaten in seven matches but have struggled to carry consistency from impressive performances against the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City into games against lower-placed opposition, such as Sheffield United and Burnley - of which they only accumulated two points from a possible six.

Pochettino criticised his young team for lacking maturity after the draw at Bramall Lane, but conceded that he needs to be "more cautious" with his words in the media, as to send the correct message to his developing squad.

"It's true that it's a special season for us because we are suffering a lot," he said. "People [are] waiting for me to talk in the press conference because they know they are going to talk about that. We need to accept the reality and be positive with the players we have.

"Yes, we need to accept the situation and be positive. If something happens, we need to take the positives, having the possibility to train with the young guys from the academy.

"Also, I think I need to be more cautious about my words after the game. It is a fact we have a young squad, but also I need to put out a different message. The message is to try and improve. We are working very hard to do so."

Ninth-placed Chelsea host relegation-threatened Everton on Monday, looking to close the five-point gap on sixth-placed Manchester United.

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