Pundit names Chelsea 'problem' as Man Utd handed transfer blow

Chelsea are back in action this weekend when they take on Aston Villa in a tough-looking home clash. The Blues face a quick turnaround after taking on Heidenheim in the Conference League on Thursday night.

Enzo Maresca’s men have been in strong form of late, but the Villa clash will be another litmus test as they look to prove their top four credentials. In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Stamford Bridge.

Maresca on Nkunku links

Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku has been linked with a move away from Stamford bridge as soon as January with talk of interest from Manchester United.

But Maresca says Nkunku won’t be leaving, saying: “Absolutely, yes I completely want Christo to stay with us. I don’t have any idea to allow him to go in January.”

Badiashile doubts

Jason Cundy says he is still unsure where Benoit Badiashile fits into the Chelsea starting XI. He said on TalkSport: “I thought he was excellent. The problem is I’ve sat on shows before and said he was excellent, two weeks later we’re talking about a player that is misplacing passes and making wrong decisions.

“Look, the best players in the world make the best decisions, that’s why they’re so consistent. Benoit Badiashile, the problem he’s got is as soon as [Malo] Gusto gets fit or as soon as Reece [James] gets fit, I don’t find a place for him… Credit to him and credit to the manager… He was excellent. Really, really good. I want to see that again and again and again…I’m still very much on the fence on him, but credit where credit is due, he was superb.”

Injury boost

Chelsea could get Malo Gusto and Pedro Neto back on Sunday against Villa with Enzo Maresca having said ahead of the Heideinheim clash: “Yes, I think so. They both trained with us. We don’t take any risk for tomorrow’s game. I think both can be available for Sunday’s game [against Villa].”