Mauricio Pochettino reveals 'disappointment' at latest Christopher Nkunku injury blow as Chelsea boss provides more promising Ben Chilwell & Benoit Badiashile updates

Chelsea’s head coach has had some good news on the fitness front with Ben Chilwell and Benoit Badiashile set to return to the squad for Saturday’s clash against Fulham. However, Nkunku is now dealing with a hip issue having missed the first half of the season due to a knee injury. Nkunku has managed just four appearances and one start since joining Chelsea and the Argentine manager is worried about the Frenchman's fitness.

Pochettino said in his press conference about Nkunku [via football.london]: "I remember my first conference after he suffered a small issue. Now I think it's nearly 10 days he has not trained – in between eight and 10. After six months, we were waiting for him. He was so close to again feel comfortable. I am of course disappointed with that. We want him as soon as possible to be involved again."

Talking about the rest of the squad: "Good news about Chilwell and Ben [Badiashile] and we need to assess Carney Chukwuemeka to see if he's available. But Chilwell and Badiashile will sure be involved in the squad tomorrow. It's important they can be involved. We are still worrying about the situation of Nkunku. Now I think we are 10 days he cannot train. We are assessing."

Due to a hamstring injury, Chilwell hasn't played since September. Meanwhile, Badiashile, who missed the season's opening game due to the same ailment, last made an appearance in December. Chelsea face Fulham this weekend before taking in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final, in which they trail 1-0 to Middlesbrough.

With Nkunku set to miss out on around a couple of weeks of action, the Blues will be without him for their clash against Fulham on Saturday, January 13 but he could potentially return for their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg on January 24.