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Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia WON'T be ready for Chelsea debuts against Newcastle this weekend, reveals Mauricio Pochettino - as he warns the £53m striker he's got 'massive competition' to earn his spot

Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia will not be available for Chelsea's trip to Newcastle, Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed.

Fans were excited about the prospect of seeing Nkunku return to training this week and speculated that he could be in the picture at St James' Park.

Pochettino revealed that Levi Colwill would be in the squad but played down expectations about an imminent return for Nkunku, insisting he needs patience after his £53m summer move from RB Leipzig.

He said: 'Lavia and Nkunku [are] still out. it's difficult to assess them.