Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has lauded the unique talents of England's defensive duo, Ben Chilwell and Reece James, even as both players grapple with injuries that have kept them sidelined.
Chilwell, who sustained a knock during Chelsea's 1-0 Carabao Cup victory against Brighton, and Reece James have been notable absentees from the team due to their respective injuries.
During his press conference leading up to Chelsea's Premier League clash with Fulham on Monday, Pochettino expressed his admiration for the English pair. Pochettino remarked, as reported by BBC Sport, "[At his] best, [Chilwell] is one of the best left-backs in the world. There is only one Reece James and Ben Chilwell."
Addressing Chelsea's efforts to bolster their squad depth, Pochettino acknowledged the signings of Malo Gusto and Marc Cucurella. However, he emphasised the challenge of securing top-level players willing to serve as substitutes, saying: "I want two [players] in each position. When you have one player in one position in the squad, it is difficult to bring in another top player to be on the bench."
Pochettino concluded that the priority is to ensure the fitness and health of the two exceptional players, Ben Chilwell and Reece James, who possess unmatched qualities in their respective roles.
"The problem is not if we signed Malo Gusto and Marc - who can do really well. I think we need to try and have these two top players fit and healthy," the Argentine concluded.