Chelsea explain Ross Barkley's absence versus Fulham

Chelsea have confirmed that midfielder Ross Barkley was rested for the west London derby against Fulham after picking up a knock during the midweek Europa League game.

The England international joined the Blues from Everton during the 2018 January transfer window but he thereafter managed only three appearances for the rest of the 2017/18 season after struggling with a hamstring issue.

However, the current campaign has witnessed a massive shift with his regards to his fitness and this has made him an influential player under the guidance of Maurizio Sarri.

Shortly after the 4-0 win over PAOK, Sarri confirmed that Barkley had picked up a knock and the same had played a role in his absence which was confirmed via the club's official Twitter account.

"Maurizio Sarri has confirmed that @RBarkley8 picked up a knock in Thursday's 4-0 win over PAOK, and so is being rested today," the tweet from the Blues read.

In the absence of Barkley, Kovacic once more maintained his position in the midfield three but he was thereafter replaced by Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who bagged the club's second goal in the 2-0 league triumph over Fulham.