Christian Pulisic couldn't make his way into the Chelsea team despite several attacking injuries in attack for his teammates. Raheem Sterling, who started and scored against Borussia Dortmund in midweek, was a concern before the game with a hamstring tweak as Graham Potter described him as doubtful.
The English winger was left out for the trip to the midlands, leaving Joao Felix, Kai Havertz and Mykhailo Mudryk to play in attack. Meanwhile the Blues are also missing another seven stars for the match as Potter tries to balance preparation for the Champions League quarter-finals in four weeks and continuing an upturn in results.
Pulisic, who made his first appearance in two months on Tuesday, still wasn't preferred in the forward spots though. Potter did choose to bring on the American from the bench in the second half, favoured over Mudryk, but it was the Ukrainian who got the nod on Saturday.
READ MORE: Chelsea owner Todd Boehly 'keen' to avoid double transfer repeat amid £50m Man United link
When asked about Mudryk's lack of minutes in recent weeks Potter said: "Of course, every player wants to play and it's important that players play to improve, I think that's a fact. But at the same time, it's not a straight road, it's not just a play and everything happens in a linear way.
"Sometimes you have to take a step away. Sometimes you just need a bit of training time. Sometimes you need a breather. So there are a lot of factors. Hopefully, he can benefit from the time he's had. And again, it's not easy for him to just arrive in the middle of what was pre-season for him and to come into a new country, new club, new league, and just hit his absolute maximum level.
"It is regardless of the fee; I know people will look at the fee but it doesn’t change the situation he is in. We're positive about him. We're positive about the future for him. But we need just to help them settle and help him understand what he needs to do to help us."
Meanwhile, the wait for Pulisic to get a start goes on. His best run in nearly a year was brought to an abrupt halt in January with injury picked up against Manchester City. Having started three matches in a row up until that point, getting an assist against Nottingham Forest on New Year's Day, he has since had a frustrating time out.
His return is positive news anyhow, with hope that he will be able to push his way into the squad despite added competition from new signings.
READ NEXT:
Latest Chelsea injury news four players miss Leicester City clash with Reece James blow
Chelsea already have four advantages for next Champions League clash after Graham Potter U-turn
10 footballers who are Chelsea fans including Kylian Mbappe, Declan Rice and a Man United star
When is Champions League quarter-final draw after Chelsea beat Borussia Dortmund in classic tie
Joao Cancelo knows Christian Pulisic potential as Chelsea comeback begins
