Is it finally Christopher Nkunku time? Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino issues injury update on £52m forward and Romeo Lavia ahead of Man Utd test

Despite positive updates prior to the most recent international break, Nkunku and Lavia are yet to make their debuts for the Blues since joining from RB Leipzig and Southampton, respectively, in the summer. Nkunku sustained an injury during a pre-season friendly, while Lavia has been struggling with an ankle injury since his move to Stamford Bridge.

Pochettino said Nkunku would not be available for Wednesday's match against Manchester United, adding: "Hope soon. He is not involved tomorrow... I think it is like we always tell you, it's about assessing day by day. Sometimes we become excited when we see on the pitch and we want to have the player as soon as possible but I think we need to be careful and of course when he is ready he is going to be really strong."

Asked about Lavia's prospects of being named in the matchday squad, Pochettino said: "Romeo is doing well also but like Christopher is not going to be involved."

Chelsea are eagerly awaiting both players' first competitive appearances in west London after their big-money moves. Lavia was snapped up for an initial £53 million ($68m) from Southampton after he snubbed interest from Liverpool, while forward Nkunku was bought for the same price from German side Leipzig.

The pair will miss out on Chelsea's midweek trip to face United at Old Trafford and it is not yet known if they will be available when the Blues make the trip to Merseyside to take on Everton in the Premier League on Sunday.