Thomas Tuchel has explained the reasoning behind his decision to drop Mason Mount to the bench for Chelsea’s crunch clash against Manchester City on Saturday.

England international Mount has continued to be a regular for the west London side this season, but has to settle for a role on the bench against City.

Explaining his selection decisions, Tuchel said: “Everybody is an option and it’s not easy to choose. We went with the characteristic of players, [Mateo] Kovacic and N’Golo for example, rather than Jorginho because they’re more dribblers and drivers than passers and I think it suits that a bit more in midfield.”

On his attack, he added: “Also Christian and Hakim for their fresh legs and because they’re a bit more runners than for example Mason. We went for Romelu [Lukaku] in the end up front. We thought about it [playing a false nine] to maybe create a bit of an overload but I think it can suit Romelu as well.”

In terms of Thiago Silva being rushed back, the German boss said: “We have pushed him. He’s rushed back and this is the situation at the moment. It will be a lot for him and for N’Golo but we’re missing four defenders, four key players to give us more alternatives or have tactical twists.”

Former Chelsea manager Glenn Hoddle expressed his surprise over Tuchel’s call to drop the influential midfielder.

“Since his tooth problem when he had to step out for a while, he’s been most consistent, effects the play, does everything great for Chelsea,’ said Hoddle.

“I’m really surprised he’s not playing.”