Enzo Maresca gives brutal explanation for Christopher Nkunku omission against Fulham | OneFootball

Christopher Nkunku's days as a Chelsea player appear increasingly numbered following his brutal snub from the matchday squad for Sunday's win over local rivals Fulham.

Nkunku hasn't lived up to the hype of a £52m signing who managed 87 combined goals and assists in the two seasons prior to his arrival two years ago.

The Frenchman missed most of last season because of injury, and has primarily been a fringe, rotation and back-up option under Enzo Maresca. He has started only nine Premier League games and half of his 14-goal haul have been in the less challenging Conference League.

Nkunku was heavily linked with a January transfer amid links to Bayern Munich and even Manchester United, but Sunday was the first time – barring December's long away trip to Kazakhstan when most of the first-team squad didn't travel – that he was left out completely.

Maresca didn't sugarcoat the reason behind the omission, which wasn't down to fitness.

"Just a technical decision," the Italian replied when pressed on the matter by reporters.

The Chelsea boss favoured Jadon Sancho, who has flattered to deceive but will join the club permanently in the summer unless a £5m penalty fee is paid, and young winger Tyrique George.

With Chelsea trailing the derby clash at Craven Cottage, the latter was brought on with just over ten minutes to play and scored the equaliser moments afterwards. The Blues then claimed the vital three points through Pedro Neto in stoppage time to solidify their Champions League hopes.

Nkunku still has four more years left on the long-term deal he signed in 2023. His market value, according to Transfermarkt, has sharply fallen from its €80m peak in 2022 and 2023 to just €45m (£39m) now, suggesting Chelsea are likely to make a loss.