Jose Mourinho has said that it is important that he rotates his squad to keep his players fresh over the festive period.

Chelsea, who currently sit third in the Premier League table, will play five games in 13 days over Christmas and New Year.

The manager told reporters: "I remember that we were successful in this period, we didn't lose matches and we had a few consecutive victories. I can remember that it was a successful period. We have to try to do the same, we know it's difficult, but it's difficult for us and everybody else.

"It's important to try not to kill some players by playing them in every minute of every game, even if they are important players for the team. My experience says it's important sometimes to give them a break and try to keep them in good condition.

"I'm not saying we have a compromise on that, I'm not saying it's a law that in this period it's one or the other one, I trust both and I choose the one I think is better for the occasion. It's good to have options."

Chelsea host Crystal Palace tomorrow.