Antonio Conte admits he will take a major “risk” by resting big names for Chelsea’s Champions League return.
Conte hinted he will leave Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata on the bench and will make further changes as they face Group C outsiders Qarabag FK.
Chelsea boss Conte insists the demands of the Premier League means he will have to gamble on their European campaign at Stamford Bridge.
Conte said: “I think when you make the decision there is always a risk. The risk could be to play with the same players I did against Leicester and then it would be why didn’t you change the team?
“This is our job. We must use our eyes and our previous experience as player and coach. If you win it was the best decision if you lose it was the worst decision.
“I must be realistic and calm and try to make the best decision for these seven games in 21 days. To play every three days, honestly is not easy for the players to play every game.
“The English teams have difficulties because the league is very tough here. In the past, before Champions League I rested players, but in England it’s very difficult to do this. You risk a lot. But we are ready and for this reason we must rotate all the squad.
“(Hazard) is in the group, in the squad and is working very well for the best physical condition but I think he needs a bit more time to continue to improve and to not to take stupid risks with him. Now he’s available and will be on the bench.
“He’s (Morata) playing very well. But don’t forget he played the whole game with Spain and at Leicester. I have to check and then to make the best decision. It is normal when you play seven in 21 days it is necessary to rotate but I am very calm.”