Why Chilwell benched vs Bournemouth as Pochettino reveals Mykhailo Mudryk plan

Mykhailo Mudryk created some excellent chances for Chelsea against Bournemouth before he was brought off shortly after the hour mark

Mauricio Pochettino has revealed why Ben Chilwell was replaced by Mykhailo Mudryk in the Chelsea starting lineup against Bournemouth. Before the international break, the left-back was preferred on the left-wing and started in each of the Blues' first four games of the Premier League season.

However, following unimpressive performances in defeats to West Ham and Nottingham Forest, Pochettino eventually decided to drop Chilwell and finally trust Mudryk at the Vitality Stadium. Ahead of Chelsea's clash against the Cherries on the south coast, the 51-year-old suggested that the England international was dropped in order to be 'more offensive'.

"Well, I think we’re going to play more offensive today with Mudryk instead of Chilwell," Pochettino told Sky Sports. While the Ukraine international struggled to break the deadlock for the west Londoners, he did impress before he was replaced by Cole Palmer shortly after the hour mark.

Before the international break, Pochettino explained why Mudryk hadn't been given the chance to displace Chilwell despite his impressive performances in pre-season. The Argentinian said: "He is a very talented player and it's now about him feeling comfortable and strong in his body.

"You cannot perform if you do not feel healthy. We are working with him in the hope he finds his best form in the next few weeks."

The west Londoners were given another taste of what Mudryk could offer if he's given a run of games. However, if the youngster is to continue in the starting lineup then Pochettino must then have to decide what to do with Chilwell and Levi Colwill, who's been playing