Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has decided to rest midfielder Michael Essien ahead of Tuesday night’s Uefa Champions League visit to Locomotive Moscow.
The Ghana ace has been key for the Blues this term after missing the chuck of last season due to injury.
He has featured in all of Chelsea League matches and has scored two goals.
Reports from the club’s treatment room say he has a minor and his Italian manager does not want to take a risk on his fitness.
"We have to take into consideration the artificial pitch," said Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti.
"We have some players like Essien – he has an injury – to play there is not a good idea. If it is possible, I don't want to put him on that pitch. I want to give him a rest."