Chelsea FC: Fernando Torres Must Be Benched by Andre Villas-Boas

The time has come; Fernando Torres needs to be benched.

Andre Villas-Boas has committed himself to Torres, and it is coming at the worst possible time.

Chelsea are fighting for a Champions League spot, Torres is still in poor form and he looks disinterested.

Chelsea are in serious trouble. Right now, they have a one-point lead for fourth place in the English Premier League. It's not a terrible spot to be in, but they can't afford to fall out of the Champions League spots.

The next 14 league matches will be incredibly intense, and Chelsea will need to maximize points in practically every match.

If Villas-Boas wants to start winning consistently, he will need to find a striker that can put the ball in the back of the net.

Right now, Torres is not that man.

Torres has struggled since coming to Stamford Bridge. He has had some rotten luck, and he simply hasn't been able to score goals. He has a few assists here and there, but £50 million should buy more than just a handful of assists.

His form hasn't taken a turn for the better yet, and he needs some time off. Torres' confidence isn't as important as his mindset is.

Right now, his mindset is not very good.

Torres looked disinterested against Swansea City, and he was in and out against Manchester United.

He played decently well against United, but he still disappeared in the last 15 minutes.

When a team is trying to hold (or regain) a lead, the striker needs to be active and visible. Torres was neither of those things on Sunday.

Torres does not have his head on right, and it's hurting Chelsea. Until he figures out his issues, the club will continue to struggle.

With the Blues fighting for a Champions League berth, Torres playing poorly and looking out of it, there's no reason to keep starting Torres.

If Villas-Boas were smart, he would move the Spaniard to the bench.