Hip issue rules Nkunku out of Chelsea vs Middlesbrough

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that forward Christopher Nkunku will miss Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Middlesbrough due to a new hip injury. The Frenchman had only recently returned from knee surgery that kept him out for the first half of his debut season at Stamford Bridge.

Pochettino admitted after Saturday’s FA Cup victory over Preston that Nkunku was not yet fit enough to start matches. However, his exclusion from the squad entirely sparked fears his previous knee injury had flared up again. Ahead of the Boro fixture, Pochettino moved to allay those concerns but said he was uncertain when the £56 million summer signing would be able to return.

“It’s not related to his old injury, it’s a different problem,” Pochettino clarified. “A small issue in his hip, not in his knee, we are cautious with him because it is six months from his injury, and he was involved in a few games. He won’t be involved tomorrow, we will see him on Saturday. We are not sure, we are going to be cautious.”

While the exact time scale remains unclear, Pochettino added that he hopes Nkunku’s absence will not be a lengthy one. Reports in France have also indicated the hip problem is not serious, although the 26-year-old is currently not training with the first team.

Nkunku had originally been tipped to feature against Boro, but Pochettino has now confirmed he will play no part in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg. His availability for this weekend’s Premier League clash with Liverpool also remains in doubt.