Mauricio Pochettino has admitted he was left with no choice, but to include South American duo, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in the starting XI that faced Arsenal on Saturday, despite them not getting enough rest ahead of the match.

Caicedo and Enzo arrived from Ecuador and Argentina, respectively last Wednesday, after taking part in their country’s games at the international break.

Considering the long distance between their countries and England, the pair should have been rested for the Gunners clash, but Pochettino insists he played them to avoid the ire of the fans and Chelsea owners.

“It’s crazy for players to come back from South America on Wednesday and play on Saturday,” he said.

“But if I say ‘OK, I’m going to give them a rest’ you will kill me, for sure if they don’t play – and the owner also!

“Today Caceido and Enzo arrived after two games in America and they were not fresh. But they are important plasters for us.

“It’s really tough to arrive like that. I hope now they can recover and train and in one week be at their best.”