Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has defended the recent performances of midfielder Cesc Fabregas by saying that it is difficult to play well in a struggling team.
Fabregas has been criticised for his lack of impact this season, with the Spaniard scoring just once in 21 appearances this campaign, but despite dropping him for the Champions League win over Porto in midweek, Mourinho insists that the player remains "totally committed".
The 52-year-old told reporters: "Cesc Fabregas is in the same moment as the team. It is an intimate relationship. The team is not playing well and it is difficult for the players to play well.
"Last season, you could go through the whole team: Courtois - amazing, Ivanovic - amazing, Cahill - amazing, John - amazing. Now, there are only one or two. But every minute I see him on the pitch he is totally committed."
Fabregas will be hoping for a recall when Chelsea travel to Premier League leaders Leicester City on Monday night.
Darren Plant
