- Both players have now returned to full training after brief spells on the sidelines
- Nkunku has missed four games, while Gusto sat out the win over Middlesbrough
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Mauricio Pochettino says Christopher Nkunku and Malo Gusto could be available for next week’s Premier League trip to Liverpool.
The French duo have returned to full training after spells on the sidelines and are closing in on a return, but will miss Friday’s visit to Aston Villa in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Striker Nkunku, who was sidelined for the first half of the season with a knee injury, has recently been ruled out with a hip injury and has missed Chelsea’s last four games.
Right-back Gusto missed Tuesday’s 6-1 Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg victory against Middlesbrough.
Pochettino said: ‘They could be available for Liverpool on Wednesday. We have to see how they are doing, how they develop in the coming days. We are positive, but we will see. But they won’t be available tomorrow.’
Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that Christopher Nkunku (pictured) could return for Chelsea against Liverpool next week
Right-back Malo Gusto, who missed this week’s Carabao Cup win over Middlesbrough, could also return
Pochettino admitted the dress rehearsal for next month’s Carabao Cup final will be ‘a huge challenge’;
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Next Wednesday’s Premier League match at Anfield will be a dress rehearsal for next month’s Carabao Cup final after Liverpool joined Chelsea to book a place in the Wembley showpiece by beating Fulham last night.
Pochettino said: ‘It will be a difficult opponent. It is a huge challenge for us. I think it has the makings, the finale, of a huge challenge for us. It will be good to meet Liverpool. It will be a tough but beautiful final.’