Why Raheem Sterling started and Malo Gusto was benched for Chelsea vs Bournemouth

Mauricio Pochettino says Malo Gusto was benched for Chelsea's win over Bournemouth out of injury precaution while the match was a “good opportunity” for Raheem Sterling to start his first Premier League game since March.

Mykhailo Mudryk missed the game due to concussion suffered in the midweek win over Brighton, allowing Sterling to start and score in Sunday’s 2-1 win over the Cherries. It meant the winger finished on double figures for goals this season, having also tallied eight assists.

Sterling has played 43 times this campaign, starting 31 of them, but has fallen down Pochettino’s pecking order in recent months. Speaking on why Sterling in particular was picked to play in the final day clash, the Chelsea manager said: “It's a good opportunity for him.

“We are fighting for three points to get into Europe next season and it's a great opportunity, not just for him, but for the whole team to show how good we are. For every single player it's important that they start games for their confidence and everything."

Meanwhile, Gusto was replaced by Trevoh Chalobah - potentially playing his final game for Chelsea - at right-back. The Frenchman missed three games through injury towards the end of April and start of May and was initially rested against Bournemouth before coming on for the final 26 minutes.

"Malo was injured recently and it's a big risk for him to play every three days," said Pochettino, who started the defender against Brighton on Wednesday. Todd Boehly is now set to make a decision on the manager’s future after a strong finish saw Chelsea earn sixth spot and thus European football.

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Pochettino met with Boehly on Friday night and said the dinner with the American went well. The Argentine said: ”It was a very nice dinner together. But I don't know about the rumours about the review.

"My staff tomorrow are flying for their holidays. I am going to stay in London for a few more days. I am always open. My phone is going to be on."