Chelsea prepare major Mauricio Pochettino boost as four 'new signings' ready for Middlesbrough

Chelsea may not be signing new players this month, something Mauricio Pochettino admitted was actually more of a blessing than it may seem, but that doesn't mean that the squad will stay the same. The Blues have been dealing with a revolving door of available players for much of the season already and have been left to form new relationships across the season.

For Pochettino, it has been an undercurrent to the entire campaign but not one that has allowed him much in terms of leeway with supporters. Now, with the chance to get to a cup final in his first season on the line, there will be no excuses.

Despite the prospect that he is without Christopher Nkunku, Reece James, Romeo Lavia and Robert Sanchez — among others — for the Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg against Middlesbrough there is an expectation that Chelsea overturn the 1-0 deficit at Stamford Bridge. Given the reaction from supporters after the loss at the Riverside Stadium, and Pochettino once more making the point that missing chances is proving too costly for his side, many expected changes to be made.

However, with the potential threat of Premier League action for overspending and breaching financial rules, the transfer window has been unusually quiet. For Pochettino this isn't a bad thing. «To be honest, no,» he said when asked if he would like to be on the phone to the sporting directors and owners discussing moves. «If [there is] no ring, [it is] much better for me.»

Even though major business isn't likely at this stage — options are in short supply and the monetary optics do not appear positive — the chance for additions is still there. «I need to always be available 24 hours and to be in contact with the sporting director and the owners,» he said earlier