Chelsea boss Pochettino provides Nkunku injury update

Nkunku has missed Chelsea's last three games with a hip problem after being sidelined for much of the season due to a knee injury.

The 26-year-old has made only one Premier League start since his close-season move from Leipzig and Pochettino was not very optimistic about his recovery at the pre-match press conference ahead of the EFL Cup clash against Middlesbrough.

"It’s a shame but he is still recovering and we hope he can help the team as soon as possible. As can happen after a long-term injury, finding the balance is the most difficult thing," he told reporters.

"He suffered a little thing in his hip – a problem there – and is recovering. It’s not a big issue but it’s delayed the possibility of him being available for the group. It’s not a big issue."

The Argentinian manager will be without nine players (Trevoh Chalobah, Malo Gusto, Marc Cucurella, Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Romeo Lavia, Christopher Nkunku, Robert Sanchez and Lesley Ugochukwu) for their next match, in which the Blues will need a win with at least two goals to advance to the next round.

 

January 22, 2024º