Mauricio Pochettino hints at Cesare Casadei, Diego Moreira Chelsea stay in January

In recent days, the Blues have exercised their options to recall the midfielder and winger from their loan stints at Leicester City and Lyon respectively.

Casadei has been a regular in a successful Leicester side, making 11 starts and 14 substitute outings in all competitions.

Moreira found game time harder to come by with Lyon, being restricted to four starts and three substitute appearances in Ligue 1 during 2023-24.

While Casadei has only represented Championship side Leicester this season, Moreira's 45-minute appearance against AFC Wimbledon in the EFL Cup in August means that he is unable to play for another club during the current campaign.

Nevertheless, Pochettino has given every indication that he plans to keep both players at Stamford Bridge for the remainder of the season.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference, the Argentine said: "Both we need to assess now. Good potential, but I think that they are going to be a part of our squad, and then the decision is going to be whether every week, every game, they are going to be part of the team.

"I think it is good news because we were suffering too many injuries so to recover players from loan, I think it is important for us."

Pochettino was asked specifically about the development of Casadei, who is cup-tied for the upcoming EFL Cup tie with Middlesbrough on Tuesday and FA Cup showdown with Aston Villa three days later.

Despite Chelsea having a wide array of midfielders in their senior ranks, it appears that Pochettino has seen enough to warrant the Italy Under-21 international coming into contention for his first competitive appearance for the West Londoners.

"I think it was fantastic, he was doing really well. That didn't surprise us because in pre-season, he did really, really well. He was one of the players that we suffer a little bit over whether to allow him to go, and we now hope he can help.

"In the Premier League, maybe he can be involved and be a part of the squad."

The recall of Moreira has freed up a foreign loan slot at a time when the likes of Andrey Santos and Deivid Washington will be considered for a temporary move elsewhere.