By Rik Sharma
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Rafael Benitez has admitted Chelsea are struggling under the strain of playing too many matches and may need to sacrifice cup competitions to guarantee a top four finish.
He rested John Terry and Fernando Torres for the trip to face Manchester City, from which Chelsea returned empty handed after a 2-0 defeat.
This leaves them at risk of falling to fourth place if Tottenham beat West Ham on Monday night.
Trouble: Rafael Benitez says Chelsea are suffering from playing too many games
The Blues are fighting on three fronts at the moment - as well as battling in the Barclays Premier League they remain in the FA Cup and Europa League.
'We can manage in the three competitions. We know we can do it. But if we feel we need to prioritise something we will do it,' said Benitez.
'We are playing too many games, games each three days. You have to manage your squad.
'Some players have fresh legs and you can play them.'
Benched: John Terry and Fernando Torres (pictured) were benched by Benitez as he shuffled his pack
When asked if he was tired himself, Benitez joked: 'I was not running so I am fine.
'I am disappointed because we could not win. I am just thinking about the next challenge.'
Frank Lampard spurned the opportunity to hit his 200th goal for Chelsea when he missed a penalty in the second half, superbly saved by Joe Hart.
Demba Ba knocked the ball past the England keeper and was subsequently taken out.
Denied: Joe Hart got a strong right hand to Frank Lampard's spot kick
Referee Andre Marriner took no further action but Benitez said Hart should have been booked at the very least.
He said: 'I haven't seen the replay, but it's at least a yellow card. You can argue he is going in this direction but it is still a clear chance.
'I think it was a turning point. We didn't do well in the first half but we went to half-time at 0-0.
'We were talking about keeping the ball, doing better and showing more character.
'Then we had the penalty. It was a crucial moment in the game.'
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