Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson has claimed that losing two players to injury was key to his side's 3-1 defeat to Chelsea.

Pearson was forced to use two changes when both Andy King and Robert Huth picked up injuries in the first half, and he admits that the substitutions had an impact on his side's second-half display as the visitors came from behind to clinch three points.

"It was difficult tonight because we had to make substitutions in not normal circumstances. It was a tough game, we took the lead and showed a decent account of ourselves," the Foxes boss told reporters.

"To be fair to Chelsea they showed more intent and quality at the times that was needed. I rue the fact we had to make decisions in changing players, but that is life.

"The players didn't deserve to be on the end of a 3-1 defeat."

Despite the loss, Leicester remain one point clear of the relegation zone with four games remaining in their season.