Rafael Benitez insisted the frenetic derby against Arsenal was not the right time to restore skipper John Terry to the Chelsea side.
Terry, back in the squad after a two-month spell on the sidelines, was again an unused substitute as the Blues won 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.
He remains short of match fitness following his knee injury and interim manager Benitez is in no rush to bring him back.
“It’s still too early. He has been out and we are doing a specific plan which is going well,” said the Spaniard.
“To get match fitness you have to play, but we cannot play him in this type of game as we need to play with a high line and that would be difficult if you are not match fit.”
Benitez added: “Obviously every player has to compete for his position. That is good for the team and me as a manager.”
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This post was last modified on 22/01/2013