Enzo Maresca clarifies Christopher Nkunku’s future amidst limited game time

Christopher Nkunku has struggled for game time this season with Nicolas Jackson currently the number one striker in Enzo Maresca’s team.

The French forward started Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Manchester City, but is yet to return to starting lineup of a top-flight match. However, he has become a regular starter in the Europa Conference League and the Carabao Cup.

With Jackson putting in good performance every week, Nkunku has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge in January.

It is reported that the young forward who currently has ten goals across all competitions is eager to move elsewhere.

Christopher Nkunku scores Chelseas seventh goal past Ognjen Chancharevich of Noah during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 . (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

However, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has emphatically rejected the possibility of selling Nkunku during the January transfer window.

When Maresca was asked if his pricey back-up striker would be kept off the transfer list this winter, he sharply replied: “Absolutely, yes.”

The Italian boss added: “We have so many games. I completely want Christo to stay with us; I don’t have any idea to let him leave in January.

“I spoke to Christo days ago and he did not say he was unhappy. For sure, he would like to play minutes but [that is] like many players.”

Nkunku is expected to be in the starting eleven as Chelsea face off with with German outfit Heidenheim on Thursday evening.

The Blues will be eager to continue their good form in the Conference League despite not registering the likes of Cole Palmer.

Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia were left out of the Conference League squad to avoid overloading, while the likes of first-team regulars Noni Madueke, Levi Colwill and Malo Gusto are yet to see a single minute in the competition.