Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that Christopher Nkunku won’t feature against Manchester United on Wednesday night.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Pochettino said that the France international would not be in the matchday squad for the trip to Old Trafford but he is hoping to have the forward fit and available “soon”.

Nkunku has still not made his competitive debut for the Blues since arriving at Stamford Bridge last summer, after he sustained a knee injury in pre-season.

Noni Madueke is the latest name to be added to the injury list. The club’s medical update claims he has “started” rehab for an unspecified injury, but Pochettino has emphasised it is only a “minor” issue.

Malo Gusto, who hasn’t played since the last international break due to a knee problem, is expected to be out for another couple of weeks at the very least.

Updates on the fitness of five other Chelsea players

Carney Chukwuemeka has suffered a minor setback in his recovery from a knee injury. The midfielder felt discomfort in training last week, and it now seems doubtful that he will feature over the busy festive period. His last game was against West Ham all the way back in August.

Trevoh Chalobah is not expected to play again until after the winter break in January. The defender has not made a single appearance this campaign due to a hamstring problem.

Romeo Lavia is still not match fit. The £58m summer signing has been pictured in full training after recovering from an ankle injury but it appears as though more work is needed before he is ready to play.

Ben Chilwell (hamstring) is closing in on a return and the hope is that the defender will be back at some point this month. Wesley Fofana, meanwhile, is making progress as he continues his rehabilitation after an ACL injury. He is, though, still a long way from making his first-team comeback.