Mauricio Pochettino explains bringing Raheem Sterling back into starting XI after 2 months out

"For every single player it's important that they start games for their confidence and everything," Mauricio Pochettino said when asked about Raheem Sterling's return to the starting lineup.

"It's a good opportunity for him. We are fighting for three points to get into Europe next season and it's a great opportunity, not just for him, but for the whole team to show how good we are."

Sterling has not started for Chelsea for over two months. Since then, he's only been limited to six appearances from the bench.

Now that Mykhailo Mudryk is ruled out with a concussion and Christopher Nkunku is still not protected from overload, Pochettino may not have had any choice but to bring Sterling back.