Former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley has warned Blues manager Liam Rosenior against starting Alejandro Garnacho in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Arsenal. Burley believes the winger could struggle against the Gunners if he starts the game, especially judging by his recent performance.

Chelsea continued their fine form under Rosenior with a dramatic comeback win over West Ham at the weekend. The Blues were 2-0 down at halftime and were booed off the pitch by frustrated fans at Stamford Bridge. However, the mood changed completely after the break as Chelsea fought back, with Enzo Fernandez scoring a late winner in stoppage time.

Rosenior, who replaced Enzo Maresca, has now won six of his first seven matches in charge. His halftime substitutions played a key role in turning the game around. One major decision was taking off Garnacho, who struggled badly in the first half. West Ham defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka shut him down easily, and Garnacho’s poor defensive work contributed to goals scored by Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville.

Burley says that second-half turnaround should convince Rosenior to bench Garnacho against Arsenal. While the winger scored two important goals in a previous match, Burley insists he is better used as an impact substitute. “Garnacho is the type of player you bring on late when defenders are tired,” Burley said. “But as a starter for Chelsea? No.”