Mauricio Pochettino believes his failing Chelsea squad has the quality to qualify for Europe even if they do not strengthen in January.
It is understood the club will be looking to sign as many as four new faces when the window opens, with a striker the priority.
But Pochettino says his existing playing staff would be sufficient if Chelsea had better luck with an injury list that currently includes eight first-team players. That's a view that seems generous in the face of a turbulent season, although their campaign now has some momentum after back-to-back wins over Crystal Palace and Luton Town.
Asked after the 3-2 win at Kenilworth Road whether his current team was good enough to climb from mid-table to the European places, Pochettino said: 'Of course I really believe in my players. It's just the circumstances: we have to recover the injured players.
'We've had some setbacks with players like Romeo Lavia, who was there the last game but can't be there today. Our job is to help the players improve every day.”
Mauricio Pochettino is convinced that his team can qualify for Europe this season after a difficult start
He claimed his youthful side have suffered a number of 'setbacks' this season
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Chelsea were on their way to one of their stronger wins of the season when they drew 3-0 against Luton, only to concede twice in a mini-capitulation late in the match.
Pochettino said: 'It is very important to end 2023 well and we are looking forward to 2024 to start well too.
'It is very good to end with a good feeling and good to enter the new year with strength.'
Cole Palmer scored two excellent goals and set up another for Noni Madueke in his latest standout performance since joining from Manchester City. His Chelsea tally now stands at eight goals.
Cole Palmer played for the Blues with two goals and an assist in the 3-2 win over Luton Town
Pochettino said: 'What can I say? It is clear that he is an important player for us. A decisive player. When I score goals like that, I am so happy with him and the team.'
Luton manager Rob Edwards said: “We were incredibly brave. For the players to do what they did shows that they are special.
'We showed fight, we showed quality. We had more ball possession than them. I see a lot of things I like.'