Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has said that Christopher Nkunku is not for sale, despite rumours he is wanted elsewhere after a lack of Premier League game time.

Nkunku has made 18 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions this season, although his only start in the league came on the opening weekend and he has played 26 minutes in the competition since.

His goal record has been good so far, with six in the Europa Conference League and two in the EFL Cup, but Maresca explained that his absence in the league is due to 'balance'.

When asked if the 27-year-old was unhappy with his bit-part role in the squad, Maresca suggested that is not the case.

"Not at all. I spoke with Christo days ago, he did not say he is not happy," he said.

"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 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."

Chelsea face Heidenheim away in the Europa Conference League on Thursday, where Nkunku will be expected to start, before playing against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday.