ANTONIO CONTE has claimed that Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tammy Abraham are "the future for Chelsea".
The duo are currently on loan at Crystal Palace and Swansea respectively, but the Italian has insisted they are very much part of the Blues plans at Stamford Bridge.
Gareth Southgate started the pair in last week's 0-0 draw with Germany at Wembley for their debuts, with the Eagles midfielder named as man-of-the-match.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea's clash with West Brom at the Hawthorns on Saturday afternoon, Conte lauded the two youngsters.
He said: "I think we are talking about two really good young players. Ruben and Tammywill be the future for Chelsea.
"Now it's right for them to play regularly. Ruben said that his path is perfect and to play regularly this season is very important for his development. "Then he can come back and play for Chelsea with greater maturity."
Loftus-Cheek has been a shining light for Palace in an otherwise disappointing season so far, with Chris Sutton claiming he is already BETTER than Cesc Fabregas. While Willian has urged Conte to recall the 21-year-old after his starring displays this campaign.
Abraham has made the transition from the Championship to the Premier League seamlessly after establishing himself as the first choice striker at the Liberty Stadium. The 20-year-old netted 26 goals for Bristol City last season, and has already netted five times for the Swans - four in the top-flight.
And Conte has insisted that the duo could draw inspiration from centre-back Andreas Christensen, who has broken into Chelsea's starting XI after two loan spells away at Borussia Monchengladbach.
He added: "It's the same path as Christensen. He played for two years on loan and now he's playing regularly for Chelsea.
"He's young but an important Chelsea player."
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