Cole Palmer was left on the bench for nearly an hour as Chelsea’s struggles away from home persisted with a goalless draw against Brentford, extending their winless run on the road.
Blues manager Enzo Maresca sparked surprise by omitting the in-form England forward, despite Chelsea’s ongoing fight for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.
With a UEFA Conference League quarter-final clash against Legia Warsaw looming on Thursday, Maresca’s team selection raised questions, especially after a lacklustre performance that offered little attacking threat.
When Palmer was eventually introduced he was unable to help break the deadlock, firing his only opportunity over the crossbar.
With Brentford having forgotten how to win at home and Chelsea winless away in the league since December, it was little surprise that Maresca’s much-maligned cautious tactics failed to produce a victory.
Chelsea will be knocked out of fourth place if fifth-placed Manchester City win at Manchester United in Sunday’s late game.