Mauricio Pochettino says Christopher Nkunku remains injured as Chelsea assess their transfer options in January.

The Argentine manager gave an update on injuries and transfers ahead of a trip to Middlesbrough for the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at the Riverside Stadium.

Pochettino explained that Nkunku remains among 11 players out injured ahead of a trip to the North East.

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"It's not related to his old injury; it's a different problem," Pochettino said. "It's a small issue in his hip, not in his knee. We are cautious with him because it is six months from his injury, and he was involved in a few games.

"He won't be involved tomorrow; we will see for Saturday. We are not sure; we are going to be cautious.

He then gave a further update on Benoit Badiashile, Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka, adding: "No, I think we are going to have the same squad for tomorrow, so nothing new."

Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is a little further away but will have a scan on his knee.

"After today we will have a clear idea after the scan this morning," he said. "No [he won't need surgery]; it is only [to understand] the pace of the recovery so he can go from doing treatment to starting on the pitch."

The Blues will be without a host of players for Tuesday night's trip, with Nicolas Jackson at the Africa Cup of Nations.

He denied that Chelsea are desperate to sign a striker or any other players, but they continue to weigh up their options.

"We had a conversation with the owners and sporting directors today and yesterday," he continued. "I am so happy because we have [Armando] Broja, we have [Cole] Palmer who can play centre-forward we have different players that can play in the striker position and Chelsea needs our second line players to help the team score goals and win games.

"I am very positive and happy with the squad. If something appears, we will announce. It is not necessary to sell to buy some players."