Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku will start Saturday’s FA Cup tie against Preston on the bench after picking up an ‘issue’ earlier this week.
The Frenchman has been plagued by a knee injury since his summer switch from RB Leipzig, making just four appearances in all competitions.
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Things were looking up for Nkunku who opened his account for the Blues in the 2-1 defeat at Wolves on Christmas Eve.
But, ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup third-round tie at home to Championship side Preston, boss Mauricio Pochettino confirmed the 26-year-old will not start the game.
“Christopher Nkunku won’t start tomorrow as he suffered an issue in the week,” the Blues manager told reporters on Friday.
“He will be in the squad but will not start. We need to be careful with him.”
Meanwhile, the Chelsea boss revealed Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka will be unavailable for Saturday’s game despite their return to training this week.
The duo have been sidelined since October but are not yet ready for a return to first-team duties.
“Chilwell and Carney are not available for tomorrow,” Pochettino added. “We will see for the next game, Middlesbrough or Fulham. They are doing well, we are happy with their evolution.
On the fitness of Romeo Lavia, the Argentine was less sure of when he would be able to call upon the midfielder, who has made just one appearance – the 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on December 27 – since his £58million summer arrival from Southampton.
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“Lavia is recovering after his injury,” said Pochettino. “We don’t know when he will return. Problem in his quad during the game against Palace. Benoit [Badiashile] I think is going to be available next week.”
Pochettino found time to heap praise on 22-year-old striker Armando Broja, who has featured in each of the Blues last ten outings.
“Armando has the possibility to be more involved as he is one of our main striker,” he said.
“Amazing potential and qualities and now is to forget his injury of last year.”