What Enzo Maresca has told Christopher Nkunku about not picking him at Chelsea

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Christopher Nkunku silenced any critics he had with a hat-trick against Barrow midweek in the Carabao Cup, which has led to Enzo Maresca speaking about him in his pre-Brighton press conference.

A flick switched after the international break that has seen Chelsea go up another level, with three straight wins without even conceding a goal.

Enzo Maresca deserves a lot of credit for the work he put in during the international break, as a number of players were put through their paces at Cobham.

One player who has had to be patient for his chances at Chelsea this season is Christopher Nkunku.

Nkunku was actually fit towards the end of last season but Chelsea didn’t want to risk him after a long injury lay-off.

Now, the Chelsea boss has spoken openly about what he’s told Nkunku when he doesn’t pick him.

The honest truth Enzo Maresca has told Nkunku about not picking him

Christopher Nkunku joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig for £52 million back in the summer of 2023.

Since then, the Frenchman has only managed to appear in 22 games. But, things are looking up this season when it comes to contributions as he’s scored six goals in eight games in all competitions.

Carney Chukwuemeka was impressed by Nkunku against Barrow midweek, and it’s easy to understand why after he bagged a hat-trick.

Interestingly, Enzo Maresca was asked about the attacker in his pre-match press conference ahead of Brighton (as per Football London).

The reporter asked how Maresca tells him he’s not involved in the team.

Maresca responded.

“I’ll be honest with him and all of them. I’ve told them since day one that we cannot play with seven or eight attacking players otherwise there is no defensive balance.”

Who is Christopher Nkunku battling for a place with?

Interestingly, Maresca has already said that Nkunku’s position in the side is through the middle, so he currently finds himself in a battle with Nicolas Jackson.

The Frenchman does have the ability to operate out wide or in the 10 position, but that’s not where the Chelsea boss sees him playing moving forward.

Jackson has been on fire recently, scoring two goals against West Ham and providing an assist for Cole Palmer in a 3-1 win at the London Stadium.

With Chelsea’s Europa Conference League and the Carabao Cup journey still very much alive, games in these competitions may be the only chance he gets to start games.