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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Nkunku has struggled for minutes</li><li>Linked with shock move to United</li><li>Maresca explains lack of playing time</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca speaks out on Christopher Nkunku to Man Utd transfer links as he explains attacker's lack of Premier League minutes

Conference League

FC Heidenheim

Chelsea

Europa League

Manchester United

Bodoe/Glimt

<p><a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/man-utd-make-move-christopher-nkunku-considers-future-at-chelsea-amid-lack-of-premier-league-action/bltbd7be1cdd8e74fe3#cs86be73948d4657d5" target="_blank">Nkunku has been linked with a potential move to United after a struggle for minutes under Maresca</a>. The 27-year-old has made 18 appearances in all competitions, but he has made just one Premier League start, which came on the opening weekend of the season. Since then, he has not played more than 26 minutes in the league.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Maresca has now explained that the playmaker is not playing regularly because of a need for "balance" in midfield, given the richness of options in attack at Stamford Bridge. In other competitions, the 27-year-old has been productive, scoring six goals in the Conference League and three in two EFL Cup fixtures.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Maresca told reporters when asked if Nkunku was unhappy: "Not at all. I spoke with Christo days ago - he did not say he is not happy."</p><p>He added: "Absolutely [he is not for sale], yes.</p><p>"The problem with Christo, not the problem but the same issue we have mentioned many times; if you play with Cole (Palmer), Joao (Felix), Christo, Jadon (Sancho) or Noni (Madueke) - who is defending? Their skill is not defending. The last game, we tried with Joao and Cole together.</p><p>"Probably the best moment for Christo with us has been in pre-season, playing in his position. Since we started, he is playing as a nine for us. Against City, he played as a winger; knowing this is not his best position. His best position is as a 10 but Cole is playing there. We need balance."</p>

WHAT MARESCA SAID

<p>Chelsea face Heidenheim in the Conference League later this week - a game that Nkunku will expect to start. Then, they take on Aston Villa on Sunday in the Premier League.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca speaks out on Christopher Nkunku to Man Utd transfer links as he explains attacker's lack of Premier League minutes | Goal.com UK

Enzo Maresca insists he wants to keep Christopher Nkunku amid links with Manchester United, as he has explained his lack of minutes this season. 

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca speaks out on Christopher Nkunku to Man Utd transfer links as he explains attacker&apos;s lack of Premier League minutes