Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has denied stories that defender Trevoh Chalobah has been frozen out of the first-team squad.

Chalobah, who is 24 years old, made 21 appearances for Chelsea in the Premier League last season, but he has not been involved in either of the club’s first two games of the new season.

There have been reports that Chalobah is unhappy with his lack of game time and is looking to leave the club on loan.

However, Pochettino has insisted that Chalobah is still part of his plans and that he has not been frozen out of the squad.

“Of course he’s part of my plans, yes,” Pochettino said in a press conference on Friday. “I am Chelsea, I am the coach and his future is going to be involved in my plan. No one is going to decide for me.

“He’s a young player with a lot of potential and I’m sure he’s going to have a big future at this club. He’s just got to be patient and work hard.

“He’s got a lot of competition for places, but that’s good for him. It’s going to make him a better player.

“He’s had a good pre-season and he’s ready to play when I need him.”

Pochettino’s comments are a boost for Chalobah, who is a talented defender with a bright future ahead of him.

However, it remains to be seen whether he will get the game time he wants at Chelsea this season. If he doesn’t, he may be tempted to look for a move away from the club on loan.