- Chelsea secured a 4–0 win over Preston to progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup
- Christopher Nkunku was absent from the win due to a hip problem
- It's about survival! FA Cup replays must continue for the good of English football It all starts
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Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that Chelsea have new injury concerns for Christopher Nkunku after the forward missed the FA Cup tie against Preston.
The French forward was not included in the Blues squad for their 4-0 win against the Championship side in the third round.
Pochettino confirmed after the match that an injury problem had led to his absence.
“He wasn't involved because he had a problem in his hip after training,” Pochettino said.
“We have to see if he can be ready for the coming games.”
Christopher Nkunku complained of a hip problem after training on Friday
Mauricio Pochettino confirmed that Nkunku had been forced out of the match due to injury
Nkunku has made four appearances for Chelsea since returning from a knee injury last month
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Nkunku has made just four appearances for Chelsea since completing a £52million move from RB Leipzig in the summer.
The 26-year-old suffered a knee injury in preparation and only returned to action last month.
Nkunku made his long-awaited Chelsea debut in the 2-1 defeat to Wolves on Christmas Eve, scoring a consolation goal.
Since then he has made one start and two substitute appearances as he returns to full fitness.
Chelsea will sweat on Nkunku's fitness ahead of the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Middlesbrough on Tuesday.
The Blues will then host Fulham in a west London derby next Saturday, ahead of the second leg against Middlesbrough.
Pochettino's side end the month with a trip to Anfield to take on current Premier League leaders Liverpool.