Antonio Conte says the likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tammy Abraham should look to follow the example of Andreas Christensen.
The Danish defender spent the previous two seasons on loan at German club Borussia Mönchengladbach and this term has managed to break into Chelsea’s first team.
And Blues boss Conte believes Loftus-Cheek and Abraham, who are on loan at Crystal Palace and Swansea respectively, should look to follow suit when they return to Stamford Bridge.
Speaking at a press conference, Conte said: “It is the same option for Christensen. He played for two years on loan and is now playing regularly for Chelsea.
“Christensen is showing himself to be an important player for us and is playing with great maturity.”
Conte has been short of midfield options this season, with N’Golo Kante and summer signing Danny Drinkwater having struggled with injuries.
Nevertheless, the Italian remains convinced that the decisions to loan out Loftus-Cheek and striker Abraham were correct.
He said: “I think we are talking about two young players – two really good players – and for sure Ruben and Tammy will be the future for Chelsea. Now it is right for them to play regularly.
“For Ruben, it’s perfect for him to play this season – important for his development – and then to come back and play for Chelsea with great maturity.”