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

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Nkunku has struggled for minutesLinked with shock move to UnitedMaresca explains lack of playing timeFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Nkunku has been linked with a potential move to United after a struggle for minutes under Maresca. 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.

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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.

WHAT MARESCA SAID

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."

He added: "Absolutely [he is not for sale], yes.

"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.

"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."

AFPWHAT NEXT?

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.