Liam Rosenior has acknowledged that Chelsea’s demanding run of fixtures is taking a toll on the team’s recent performances, though he stopped short of using it as an excuse.

The Blues are currently struggling, having lost their last four matches across all competitions. Their Champions League campaign ended in disappointment with an 8-2 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16, alongside Premier League losses to Newcastle United and Everton.

Chelsea’s attacking issues have also been evident, as they have failed to score in three straight matches in all competitions for the first time since September 2023. During that run, they managed 52 shots, with only 16 hitting the target.

In the Premier League, Chelsea have suffered three defeats in their last four games, matching the number of losses they recorded in their previous 18 matches combined.

This dip in form has seen them fall to sixth place in the table, now six points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa, although they remain just one point adrift of Liverpool.

After their Club World Cup triumph in July, Chelsea had limited time to prepare for the new season, and Rosenior believes the effects of that hectic schedule are beginning to show.

He said he does not want to make excuses, admitting the team’s recent performances have not been up to standard. However, he pointed out that the heavy workload and number of matches played make the situation understandable.

Rosenior also noted that the international break has come at an ideal time, as it could offer players a mental and physical reset. While many will still travel to represent their countries, he hopes the change of environment will help refresh the squad.