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Mauricio Pochettino has assured Ian Maatsen he will get a run of games at Chelsea, as rumours continue to circulate over the youngster’s future at the club.

Maatsen had an impressive outing with Burnley, where he spent the 2022-23 season on loan from Chelsea before returning to Stamford Bridge in the summer.

Vincent Kompany’s side offered the Dutchman a chance to join them permanently during the summer transfer window, but he opted to remain with the Blues.

Maatsen has however struggled to make an impression for Pochettino’s side this season, making just nine Premier League appearances, which amount to a combined 130 minutes.

With the January transfer window not too far away, many reports have started to link Maatsen with a move away from Chelsea, but Pochettino has urged him to remain patient, while also suggesting that the left-back hasn’t exactly proven himself ready for regular first-team football at an elite level yet.

“Now with the injury circumstance [he’ll be more involved],” Pochettino said while speaking at his press conference before the Blues’ weekend clash against Sheffield United.

“He was involved last game but young players sometimes they can impress you in pre-season but you need to give them time after to relax. Sometimes they struggle.

“He’s in our squad and a great kid. He’s got great quality and can play in different positions but it’s about giving him time. He came from Burnley last season in the Championship.

“To perform at Chelsea, with all respect, is not the same and the competition is different.

“But he’s a player that is in our plans and, of course, we celebrate that he is with us because he is always helping us.”