Mauricio Pochettino has issued a fresh update on Christopher Nkunku ahead of Chelsea's midweek clash against Middlesbrough. The Championship outfit will welcome the Blues to the Riverside Stadium on Tuesday night for the first-leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Nkunku was omitted from the west Londoners' squad which faced Preston North End in the FA Cup third round at the weekend due to injury. The 26-year-old forward, who joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in the summer, had only recently returned from the treatment room following a knee issue which he sustained in pre-season.
Ahead of the Blues' trip to North Yorkshire, Pochettino provided an update on Nkunku. The former Tottenham Hotspur manager said: «It's not related to his old injury, it's a different problem. An issue in his hip, we are cautious with him because it is six months from his injury, and few games.
»He won't be involved tomorrow, we will see for Saturday. Hope it is not a long period. At the moment he is not training, he is doing recovery. Not a big issue."
With Nkunku back on the sidelines, Pochettino was asked whether Chelsea will need to delve into the January transfer market for a new frontman. The Blues boss said: «No. We are assessing the squad like always. We had a conversation with the owners and sporting directors today and yesterday.
»I am so happy because we have Broja, we have different players that can play in the striker position and we need our second line players to help the team score goals and win games. I am very positive and happy with the squad. If something appears, we will announce."
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