Chelsea took the drastic option of inserting the club’s head of medical onto the bench after former manager Enzo Maresca repeatedly refused to substitute players returning from injury, Daily Mail Sport understands.
It can also be disclosed that officials also sent the former manager a formal letter to remind him of his responsibilities as the relationship between the Italian and his bosses reached breaking point at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca, who had guided his team to the Club World Cup trophy in the summer, was shown the door earlier this month following a spectacular and rapid fall from grace.