Christopher Nkunku has scored the most goals for Chelsea in all competitions, but the Frenchman has struggled for minutes in the Premier League.

Nkunku is part of Enzo Maresca’s Cup team, but has been limited to cameo appearances in the Premier League.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has admitted he feels shame for Nkunku’s situation and also Joao Felix who is the same situation as Nkunku.

At his pre-match press conference, Enzo Maresca explained: “I feel shame for Christo [Nkunku] because in pre-season, he was our best player.

“But because we need to adapt players, we have moved him to a striker, knowing he is not a No.9. Christo is similar to Joao [Felix]; if they continue to work in the same way, they will get minutes in the Premier League.”

On Joao Felix, Maresca continued: “I feel a shame about Joao, but not only about Joao.

“I would like to give him more minutes in the Premier League.

“We need defensive balance. We cannot play with Joao, Cole and Chris. I like to put all of them on the pitch but then you also have to defend.

“I don’t have any doubts that if Joao keeps doing well, he will get minutes in the Premier League.”