Former Chelsea midfielder Gus Poyet is convinced they can handle the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.

Poyet says they won't be missed with Kalidou Koulibaly filling in at the back.

Koulibaly was brought in this summer top shore up the Blues' defence, and Poyet thinks his former team made a good choice.

Poyet told Lord Ping: “Koulibaly is a top player and is a very good replacement for Rudiger.

“He has suffered a bit with cramp against Everton and with the pace of the Premier League, but he is calm, composed, strong, both footed, great in the air.

“He's got all the attributes of a great center-half and he'll settle down very quickly.

“It's easier for defenders to settle down quicker than midfielders and forwards."