Christopher Nkunku is expected to be back in action for Chelsea soon after picking up another injury.

The Blues cruised to a 4-0 FA Cup third round win against Preston North End on Saturday, but Nkunku was notably absent from the team sheet. After the game, Mauricio Pochettino revealed that the 26-year-old had suffered a hip injury in training ahead of the match.

“Nkunku, we don’t want to put pressure on him,” the Argentine said.

“We know it is difficult after a long time injured. Six months away [and] now he wasn’t involved because he suffered a problem in his hip in training.

“We need to see if he can be ready for the next few games.”

Nkunku initially missed four months of football after his summer transfer to Chelsea, following an injury in pre-season. The Frenchman returned towards the end of 2023, and appeared in a handful of games before his latest setback.

Thankfully though, reports claim Nkunku’s latest injury is a very minor one, and his exclusion from Saturday’s win against Preston was born out of precaution. They also claim that the forward is expected to be out for just a few days, and should be available for Chelsea’s Carabao Cup semi-final match with Middlesbrough on Tuesday.

If the game on Tuesday proves too early for Nkunku, he should be ready for this weekend’s Premier League clash with Fulham at Stamford Bridge.

Nkunku has scored just one goal for Chelsea this season due to his injury issues.