Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that Ian Maatsen is currently in negotiations with Borussia Dortmund over a January loan move away from Chelsea.

Maatsen was absent from the squad, as Chelsea were beaten 1-0 by Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday night. The Dutchman was reportedly away in Germany to put finishing touches to the loan move.

The 21-year-old has found playing opportunities very rare this season, despite turning down a summer transfer to Burnley a few months ago.

Due to Chelsea’s current injury problems, Pochettino had very few players to call on during the defeat on Tuesday, which left question marks over his decision to let Maatsen join Dortmund.

“Well I think it’s obvious that of course he’s not here because he’s in negotiations with [Dortmund],” Pochettino replied to reporters when asked about Maatsen after the game against Middlesbrough.

“When something happens, the club will inform.”

Meanwhile, Cole Palmer was chosen to lead the line for Chelsea against Boro, while Armando Broja sat on the bench.

The former Manchester City attacker did get into good positions, and was presented with some great opportunities to put his side ahead, but ultimately, he couldn’t score, as the Blues lost at the Riverside.

Explaining his decision to bench Broja, Pochettino said: “Armando came from one year out injured and in this period was playing a few days ago.

“He cannot start like a normal player. We need to manage and in three days we have another game he should start. It’s difficult for a player like this to start three games in seven days. That is why, yes.

“When he came to the pitch with Mischa [Mudryk], it was difficult for them to connect, difficult to create chances and in the end they cannot help to score or take a different result.”