Chelsea: Sarri explains absence of Marcos Alonso from team
Chelsea managers Maurizio Sarri says his team have endured a difficult time since Sunday's 6-0 thumping at Manchester City.
Ahead of tonight’s Europa League last-32 first leg at Malmo in Sweden, Sarri spoke of his desire for a reaction to the Blues' worst loss in almost 28 years.
Sarri said: "Not too easy, of course. After a match like Manchester City it's normal.
"It's not easy to play after 6-0 but we have to play and we have to play well.
Related articles
"We want to win. We want to react immediately."
Malmo boss Uwe Rosler was thrilled by Chelsea's heavy defeat at the weekend and believes his team can expose flaws in Sarri's side.
"I was delighted," Rosler said. "It's not a secret my connection to and feelings for Manchester City.
"The game they played was the beautiful game we all talk about. That sort of football inspires every coach and it was a delight to watch that game.
"I don't think we can take Chelsea on toe-to-toe in an open game.
"It's very important for us tomorrow to be ourselves. I think we will get opportunities. I saw areas where we can cause them problems."
Malmo vs Chelsea kicks off at 8pm and Express Sport has rounded up the latest team news for the Blues.
Chelsea injury news - who is out?
Marcos Alonso and Ruben Loftus-Cheek will be absent for Chelsea when they take on Malmo.
Alonso, who has been manager Sarri's first choice, has been omitted from the squad.
The Italian coach says the left-back has been rested - with Emerson Palmieri likely to start in his place.
Midfielder Loftus-Cheek has suffered a recurrence of a back problem but could be fit to face Manchester United in Monday's FA Cup fifth-round clash.
Malmo vs Chelsea - how to watch
Live television coverage of the game will be shown on BT Sport 2 in the UK tonight.
Existing customers will also be able to stream the match via the BT Sport app and on the company’s website.