Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has suggested that he is still evaluating whether to keep or loan out a number of Chelsea's prospects.

On Wednesday night, the Blues begun their pre-season schedule with a fixture against Wrexham in North Carolina, the first of five matches to be played in the United States.

Pochettino gave the majority of his squad at least 45 minutes each in the hot conditions, with Chelsea making an impression in both halves as they ran out 5-0 victors over the League Two newcomers.

Ian Maatsen netted twice during the first half before Conor Gallagher, Christopher Nkunku and Ben Chilwell all scored during the closing stages.

Commenting on the match itself, Pochettino was satisfied with the performance of his side, with the Argentine hoping that some foundations had been laid for the coming weeks.

Speaking to reporters, as quoted by football.london, Pochettino said: "Like always a pre-season game, happy because of the attitude. Of course it is time to improve.

"I think it is part of the process in this period to learn in the way we want to play and of course build the physical condition also. I am happy with the performance."

While some players were held back fitness-wise, Pochettino gave Andrey Santos over an hour of action while Cesare Casadei featured for the entire game.

Although Pochettino was quick to talk up the ability of Chelsea's prospects, he spoke openly over the dilemma that he has with regards to game time, questioning whether they are ready to play regular football for a team of Chelsea's stature.

Pochettino added: "We need to assess and analyse and see what happens with them in the season. Many decisions that we need to take. But it is good to have the opportunity to see all these young guys who can show their quality.

"It is important for them and for us to have a real assessment. For sure all have quality, they need time and space to show they can compete for a place in the squad.

"We will see what happens in the next few weeks and when we come back to England we will decide the future of these young players who maybe have future here or sometime can maybe be part of the squad. For sure great potential."

Casadei has been linked with a loan stint in either England or Italy, while West Ham United have been credited with an interest in left-sided player Ian Maatsen.