Chelsea 'to block Lesley Ugochukwu, Deivid Washington loan exits'
On more than one occasion since his arrival at Stamford Bridge, the Argentine has spoken about the desire to work with a relatively small squad.
That is particularly the case given Chelsea's lack of European football this season, but Pochettino has needed to find a balance in recent weeks courtesy of a wide array of injuries and rehabilitations of first-team players.
As it stands, there are 25 outfield players competing for 11 spots, even with 11 senior players having been sold and nine other options going out on loan.
Pochettino ideally wanted no more than 22 or 23 players at his disposal, highlighting in press conferences that he would be prepared to introduce players from the academy.
Ugochukwu and Washington were both deemed likely to go out on loan upon their arrivals from Rennes and Santos earlier in the summer.
Instead, they have remained in West London, with Ugochukwu having seemingly impressed Pochettino and Washington being required to act as backup courtesy of Mason Burstow's temporary switch to Sunderland.
According to Football Insider, the pair will be continuing their time at Chelsea for the coming months, rather than leaving for a club in Turkey.
The transfer window for Super Lig clubs remains open until close of business on Friday, and offers are expected to be made for fringe Premier League players.
Nevertheless, it is anticipated that any bids for Ugochukwu and Washington will be rejected with Pochettino seemingly having a change of heart regarding both players.
Ugochukwu has already made two substitute appearances in the Premier League and played the full 90 minutes
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