EXCLUSIVE: Oscar axed for Chelsea's West Ham trip as Rafa looks to harden up midfield

By David Kent for MailOnline

Published: 12:17 EST, 30 November 2012 | Updated: 13:40 EST, 30 November 2012

Oscar, Chelsea's Brazilian box of tricks, is to be dropped for their game at West Ham as interim boss Rafa Benitez looks to end their slump.

But Chelsea fans will be alarmed that, after two 0-0 draws in succession, Benitez is axing one of their best flair players.

Scroll down for the video

And the Oscar goes to... the bench: The Chelsea midfielder will be among the substitutes for the London derby

In an attempt to bring more out of Fernando Torres - Oscar is taking the blame for his lack of goals - it is expected that Victor Moses will replace him.

Benitez will say he is rotating his team ahead of another Champions League encounter, against Nordsjaelland, as he looks to freshen up his line-up.

Need a rest: Rafael Benitez says Chelsea's players are tired

In training: Ashley Cole and David Luiz are put through their paces on Friday

Oscar, whose spectacular goal against Juventus earlier in the season is one of the best so far, is the victim of a run of games that has seen Chelsea fail to win in the last six.

Back-to-back home game against Manchester City and Fulham only resulted in two goalless draws, leaving Chelsea seven points behind leaders Manchester United.

On target: Oscar scored a wondergoal against Juventus earlier this season

Benitez has had West Ham watched and knows they can be quite physical in midfield. He is expecting a tough London derby and wants more strength in the side.

He may go for a change of formation, but will decide that in the build-up to the game. Oscar, who is fully fit, will be on the bench and may well come on. 

VIDEO: Rafa Benitez talks tactics ahead of Chelsea's match against West Ham