Chelsea skipper Cesar Azpilicueta has lost his starting place in the Chelsea team, and has become more of a backup player of late.

Blues boss Thomas Tuchel decided to hand Azpilicueta a starting role against Southampton, and he explained why.

According to Tuchel, Azpilicueta has been fighting hard to get back into the starting team.

“At the moment, it is one of the toughest decisions because he trains so well and is in such good shape and status mentally,” said Tuchel when asked about Azpilicueta at his pre-match press conference.

“He is pushing everybody and is fully committed – it’s what you want on the field. But if we play 4-4-2, it’s between him or Reece James.

“It’s a luxury problem we have, but when we changed to a back five [against Leicester], we had the chance to have both of them on the pitch. Without tough decisions, we will get nowhere.”

Azpilicueta had a poor game and ended up being subbed off after the hour mark at the St Mary’s Stadium.