Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has lifted the club's Christmas party ban after being impressed with his team's recent performances.

The Portuguese manager will allow his players to get in the festive mood after originally setting a ban on all parties last year.

Mourinho trusts his players to maintain their fitness during the busy Christmas period.

"I think it's more important what they do when they are not with us than what they do with us," the 51-year-old said, according to Goal.com.

"With us, the percentage of the day is so small that what they can do here they can destroy in one click. And they have 20 hours to do that. It's their responsibility.

"When they come here better today than yesterday and the recovery process is fluid, it's because they're doing that very well.

"Probably, because of that, the club is preparing a little Christmas party for them and their families. This is a squad with lots of young guys with kids a couple of weeks to 10 years old. I think it's good for them."

Mourinho will be looking to extend his gap at the top of the Premier League with a win over Sunderland on Saturday.