Enzo Maresca is being not just backed but encouraged to rotate by Chelsea's hierarchy as part of a season-long strategy, talkSPORT understands.

The Chelsea boss has made 85 changes so far this season, 16 more than Liverpool. Premier League leaders Arsenal have rotated the third-most players at 67.

Maresca has made seven or more changes to his line up in five consecutive games, including in Chelsea's 2-2 Champions League draw at Qarabag on Wednesday.

Some of Maresca's changes have been enforced with Chelsea suffering five red cards since September, while injuries to Liam Delap (groin) and Cole Palmer (hamstring) have also led to rotation.

Winning the Club World Cup was undoubtedly positive in both football and financial terms, but it means Chelsea might play a 65+ game season and

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