Roberto Di Matteo bemoans Chelsea schedule

Roberto Di Matteo has said that Chelsea's demanding fixture list is taking its toll on his players.

Chelsea travel to Benfica for a Champions League clash tomorrow after their gruelling 0-0 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on the weekend.

"We are playing big games every three days and that is taking its toll," Di Matteo said.

"Physically and mentally it's very demanding.

"There's not much time to recover and stay fresh. So we will have to see how the players are and put a team together that has the energy to get a result against Benfica."

Chelsea are currently fifth in the Premier League, 20 points off leaders Manchester City.