Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has set out his fullback pecking order.

Pochettino admits England pair Reece James and Ben Chilwell, now both injured, are his first-choice, with Malo Gusto and Marc Cucurella viewed as cover.

He explained, "[At his] best, [Chilwell] is one of the best left-back in the world.

"There is only one Reece James and Ben Chilwell. I think the club try [to give us depth], with Malo Gusto and Marc Cucurella, and that is football.

"I want two [in each position]. When you have in the squad, like happen in the past, you have one player in one position it is difficult to bring in another top player to be on the bench.

"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."

On their schedule being the source of Chelsea's injury problems, Pochettino agreed.

"Yes, one player may not be able to cope with 70 games, but another cannot.

"But it is difficult because every player wants to play every game.

"And then you want to win. I think it is a difficult debate. It is really complicated. It is not a public debate. It is a private debate between the Premier League, the FA and the clubs."