Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that Christopher Nkunku will not feature from the start for Chelsea this weekend, after suffering ‘issues’ this week.
Nkunku missed the opening months of the Premier League campaign after sustaining a knee problem in pre-season, with the France international having made three league appearances since his return to fitness.
However, Pochettino has confirmed the 26-year-old suffered a setback in training this week and will be named on the bench for the FA Cup third round clash with Preston tomorrow.
The Argentine discussed his options at centre-forward with Nicolas Jackson having departed for the Africa Cup of Nations.
“Armando (Broja), it’s a possibility to play for him. I am going to tell you Christopher is not going to start tomorrow as he suffered issues during the week but he is going to be in the squad. We need to be careful with him,” Pochettino told his pre-match press conference.
“Armando has the possibility to be more involved as he is one of our main striker. Amazing potential and qualities and now is to forget his injury of last year.”
Pochettino also confirmed that Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka, Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia will miss the clash with Preston.
“Chilwell and Carney are not available for tomorrow. We will see for the next game, Middlesbrough or Fulham. They are doing well, we are happy with their evolution.
“Lavia is recovering after his injury. We don’t know when he will return. Problem in his quad during the game against Palace. Benoit I think is going to be available next week.”
