Chelsea defender exit on the cards as Mauricio Pochettino makes crucial pre-season decision

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino for the first as Blues boss admitted he’s getting to the point where he’d have to trim his squad after the 1-1 draw with Newcastle United in Atlanta.

Nicolas Jackson signed from Villarreal continues to give hope and excelled again after racing through to finish off brilliantly in the 12th minute of the game as Chelsea deservedly took the lead against Eddie Howe’s side.

Chelsea had the versatile Christopher Nkunku playing in the number 10 role while Reece James playing in his first pre-season game had 60 minutes where he was stable for most but was also caught out by one Alexander Isak move.

Marc Cucurella would not like to see Miguel Almiron’s goal again after a moment of loss in concentration gave an advantage to the Newcastle United winger to beat Kepa in post for Chelsea.

Raheem Sterling got the second half and despite making some really bright runs just still doesn't look as sharp as fans especially those of Manchester City have to come to know.

Trevoh Chalobah linked with a move away all summer again showed incredible composure and defended with so much focus in the time he was on the field.

Chelsea’s overall performance would have encouraged Pochettino who now has just games against Fulham and Dortmund before the Premier League season kicks off.

Maybe the only concern will be Lewis Hall, who impressed at left-back towards the end of last season has still not got minutes and could be one of the casualties as Pochettino cuts down his squad for the season.

Cucurella who has been involved in all games so far and could still be sold at as well as Conor Gallagher who has been linked to both West Ham and Tottenham all week.

The Argentine manager warned he was getting to a point where he had to be honest with players: “We are 29 players here and the squad is massive. It is about creating a squad with good balance and people who can play and can compete for their place.

“That is a big job and challenge for us in the transfer window to build a good relationship and good balance. If players are not happy because they believe they are not going to play, we are going to find a solution with the club and fix the situation.

“We cannot have a massive squad, players not involved and then it’s going to create a mess. Maybe less is more and more is less. That is why I need to make clear we don’t need a big squad.

“We need 22, 23, 24 players with some younger and that’s it. I am so sorry because maybe the decision will be tough but we need to build a good and balanced team who want to compete for things.”

The Blues scored just 38 goals last season, finished 12th in the league and limped out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage against Real Madrid. They also lost to bottom-placed Southampton at home with four different managers trying but failing to get a tune out of the talented squad.

Pochettino who once took Chelsea’s rivals, Tottenham to the final of the Champions has been brought in to now restructure the team and get them back to at least competing in games again.