The Blues star was expected to cover for Nicholas Jackson’s absence.
Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that Christopher Nkunku will not start Chelsea’s upcoming FA Cup match against Preston.
Nicholas Jackson’s participation in the Africa Cup of Nations has opened up an empty spot in Chelsea’s attacking line. With Nkunku being out of the lineup, Armando Broja is expected to start for the Blues.
Speaking in a pre-match press conference on Friday, Pochettino said: “Armando, it’s a possibility to play for him. I am going to tell you Christoph is not going to start tomorrow because he suffered some issues during the week. We need to be careful with him.”
Chelsea are looking to claim their third victory in a row after beating Crystal Palace and Luton Town in the Premier League. Hoping to gain momentum with an FA Cup win, Pochettino says he won’t make too many changes against Preston.
“Not too many changes,” Pochettino replied when asked how many new players will be in the starting lineup. “You will see maybe one or two, players normally not in the starting XI.”
Following their match against Preston, Chelsea will take on Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup semi-finals before returning to the Premier League game with a match against Fulham next weekend.