Antonio Rudiger is Chelsea's "best natural defender", according to Tony Cascarino, who thinks Fikayo Tomori and Kurt Zouma have struggled to convince in his absence.
Chelsea's five-match winning streak in the Premier League came to an end on Saturday, as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
The Blues started the game well and took the lead through N'Golo Kante, before lapses in concentration at the back allowed the reigning champions to get back into the game.
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Goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez shortly before half-time ensured City moved up to third, while Frank Lampard's men dropped into fourth, 11 points behind leaders Liverpool.