Robin Osman has been the team’s captain for the last two seasons, but while an improved season might have pushed him out of selection next season, as well as forcing him to go into the summer with a reduced number of games in League 1, it is still surprising that he had to play one more game in a competitive division in his first two full seasons at the club.

He was originally called up by Roberto Martínez for the Capital One Cup final against Liverpool on Saturday, but Martínez was forced to call him up again for the league game at Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday.

Osman was involved in Chelsea’s cup win at home to League 1 side Burton Albion just before this weekend’s Capital One Cup clash against Preston North End, but his contribution was mostly a substitute. He made his debut in the FA Cup fourth round replay against Everton, as he was rested on the pre-match bench.

Andrea Pirlo was the only other player on the bench against Preston, meaning he was not in the squad for the League Cup final. Osman took his place at the expense of Joe Cole, who replaced Gary Cahill for the final moments against Wigan Athletic, although both players had started in the Carabao Cup tie against Swansea.

Chelsea manager Roberto Martínez told the Italian press: “I can’t speak for the squad in the finals but it’s a good feeling to have qualified for the UEFA Cup. If we had lost against Liverpool [1-0 in a replay] we would have got third place and not even qualified for the UEFA Cup final. I was lucky to have a great result.

“I’ve seen the way he carries himself in this competition as well as in training, so I think we can use the experience for the final stage but I know the squad has confidence in their keeper. We’ll see [if he makes the 23] in that scenario.”

Osman is expected to be the first overseas player under Martínez, following his success over Arsenal in the Champions League.