Is Christopher Nkunku injured again? Mauricio Pochettino gives update after attacker’s absence vs Preston North End

Chelseaforward Christopher Nkunku missed Saturday’s 4-0 win over Preston North End in the FA Cup due to a hip problem, Blues manager Mauricio Pochettino revealed.

Nkunku has made just four appearances and only start since signing from RB Leipzig in the summer due to a knee injury and there are now question marks over his fitness again ahead of key dates for the west London club.

“He wasn’t involved because he suffered after training a problem in his hip,” Pochettino said after Saturday’s game.

And not sounding overly optimistic about the 26-year-old’s fitness, he added: “We need to see if he can be ready for the next few games.”

After a goalless first half on Saturday, Chelsea stormed to a comprehensive victory in the end over Championship side Preston.

Armando Broja, Thiago Silva, Raheem Sterling and Enzo Fernandez scored the goals which sealed a place in round four for the Blues.

Pochettino’s side will discover their rivals in the next round in Monday night’s draw.

More Chelsea stories

Chelsea are ready to rival Manchester City and Barcelonafor a Brazilian teenage starlet who has been likened to Lionel Messi.

Chelsea are also eyeing a strikerwho is scoring plenty of goals for La Liga surprise package Girona.

And the Blues havejoined the race to sign a defenderwho has been likened to Raphael Varane.