Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri: 'I substituted Callum Hudson-Odoi due to injury'

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has revealed that his substitution of Callum Hudson-Odoi against Watford was due to injury and not tactical reasons.

Hudson-Odoi was introduced during the latter stages of the first half after an injury to Pedro, but the academy graduate did not last the game with Emerson Palmieri replacing the youngster with five minutes remaining.

The change came with Watford beginning to get on top, but Sarri has moved to justify the alteration with Hudson-Odoi already carrying a fitness issue.

Sarri is quoted by Metro as saying: "We don't know how much Pedro is injured, we will evaluate tomorrow.

"That is the same problem with Callum Hudson-Odoi. He had a little injury a few days ago, yesterday it was good and he managed 50 to 55 minutes. We thought it was better to substitute him."

Chelsea - who registered a 2-1 victory at Vicarage Road - are back in action on Sunday when they face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.