Why Malo Gusto was suddenly left out of the Chelsea team that travelled to Sheffield United

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino says French defender Malo Gusto fell ill reason he has been left back in London as the team look for massive three points against Sheffield United. 

Gusto has been one of the best players for the Blues and his form has helped, especially with Reece James yet to kick a ball this year due to injury. 

His absence is a blow but the Chelsea manager said there was little he could do. He told Skysports ahead of kick-off: “Gusto fell ill yesterday and we had a look at him and felt that the best decision was just to leave him and home to recover.” 

Pochettino has now been forced into making a tweak to his system in the absence of Gusto with Axel Disasi now likely to be pushed out to play in the full-back role while Marc Cucurella keep his spot at left-back. 

There is now a new centre-back pairing with Thiago Silva brought back in the heart of defence alongside Trevoh Chalobah. Chelsea have conceded at least two goals in their last five games so the recall of Silva might be to add experience to a very young backline that might benefit from experience. 

In the middle, it's still the same combination with Moises Caicedo who was at fault for the first Manchester United game in midweek keeping his place in the team. Enzo Fernandez is supported by the energetic Conor Gallagher to complete the midfield.

Noni Madueke who changed the game when he came on against Manchester United gets a deserved start too.