Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino appears to have brought Marc Cucurella back from the brink.

The left-back was close to joining Manchester United on loan in the summer transfer window.

However, he ended up staying at the club and was initially in the wilderness, before getting a chance in a 2-0 win over Fulham on Monday.

Asked if Cucurella was now an option in defence, Pochettino told reporters: “In football you never know. Everything is possible. He is doing well and helping the team.

“Brighton and Fulham he played right-back and we won. It does not mean it is fixed and he will play every single game there.

“It is about performing, the other two players need to show they are in condition to fight for the place and to show they deserve to play."