Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has provided an update on several of his players ahead of Sunday afternoon's Premier League clash against Manchester City.

The Blues have been without a number of key players in the opening months of 2023/24 season. One player who supporters are eager to see is Christopher Nkunku - who is yet to make his competitive debut for the club.

Nkunku sustained a knee injury in pre-season and has gradually continued his rehabilitation throughout the weeks. It had been reported that December's Carabao Cup clash with Newcastle had been earmarked as the fixture for his first start and Pochettino was on hand to provide an update on his fitness on Friday.

"We had some conversation and he said to me, 'Coach, I want to be ready for after international break, Newcastle'. I asked him yesterday and he said 'hmmm', and I said 'you are liar'. 'No, no I am ready'," he explained.

"It is close and he is doing really well. We are so happy with him, the way he is recovering, he is very professional."

Prior to Pochettino's press conference, Chelsea released an injury update which didn't include Reece James and Enzo Fernandez - which will come as a huge boost for Pochettino. Fernandez took a heavy blow against Tottenham on Monday and was seen with an ice pack on his leg.

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On the list was Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Romeo Lavia and Carney Chukwuemeka. On Lavia, Pochettinon insisted that the summer signing is getting closer to his return. "Romeo Lavia is also close. They (Lavia and Nkunku) trained today on the pitch.

"Hope that next week will be involved with the team and see after. Day by day see when it is possible to play with the team."

Striker Armando Broja was not named on the list meaning he could be in contention to return after suffering with a knee irritation.