Antonio Rudiger was dropped by manager Antonio Conte ahead of Chelsea's trip to Southampton on Saturday.
The Blues traveled to St Mary's on the back of three successive away defeats in the Premier League and a home draw with West Ham the week before and in danger of finishing outside the top four for the second time in three seasons.
Rudiger, who featured in the 1-1 draw with Hammers at Stamford Bridge, appeared to criticise Conte's tactics after his side were unable to hold on for victory.
'I think we begged.