Jose Mourinho dropped Eden Hazard for Chelsea's crucial Champions League clash against Dynamo Kiev on Wednesday as the beleaguered Blues boss fights to save his job.

Mourinho has come under mounting pressure in recent weeks after Chelsea's dismal run left last season's English champions languishing in the lower reaches of the top-flight table.

A 3-1 defeat at home to Liverpool on Saturday prompted fresh speculation that Mourinho will be sacked if he suffers further defeats against Dynamo and then Stoke this weekend.

Faced with a must-win match, Mourinho opted to leave out Belgium playmaker Hazard, who was voted Footballer of the Year last term, but has been way short of that fine form this season.

Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who this week took to Twitter to counter claims that he was leading a dressing room revolt against Mourinho, was back in the starting line-up after being left out against Liverpool.

England defender Gary Cahill lost his place, while Spain winger Pedro returned to the bench after injury.

"We need a positive result for two reasons; for the competition itself but also for the general situation and the bad run of results, so it's important for us," Mourinho told BT Sport before kick-off.

Chelsea are third in Champions League Group G after winning only one of their first three matches.