Mauricio Pochettino has tipped Christopher Nkunku for a possible return to training this week in an effort to boost his level of fitness.
The French forward hasn’t featured since the Chelsea 3-2 victory over Luton at the end of last month, when he replaced Armando Broja off the bench.
Nkunku has been dealing with a hip injury for days, which has prevented him from training. As a result, he has missed Chelsea’s FA Cup victory against Fulham, their third straight Premier League victory, and their Carabao Cup semifinal loss to Middlesbrough.
Pochettino expressed his concern over the situation, citing Nkunku’s recent return from a knee injury that kept him out of action for more than four months.
Four days ago, the Chelsea boss said ahead of his side’s London derby against Fulham which they went on to win 1-0, courtesy of a goal from Cole Palmer: “I am worried about the situation of Nkunku. (It has been) now 10 days that he can’t train. We’re assessing him.”
“He suffered a small issue and it became complicated. After six months that we were waiting for him, he was so close to feeling comfortable.”
“We’re disappointed. We want him as soon as possible.”
However, Nkunku’s injury is making good strides, raising expectations for when he can make a comeback.
Chelsea’s players are expected to have a three day layoff after being handed a 10-day break from competitions, but are to return to training later this week.
Chelsea won’t feature again after their Premier League victory against Fulham at noon on Saturday. They won’t play until Tuesday next week, when they play Middlesbrough in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semifinal.
Chelsea will start that match behind 1-0 after the first leg.
Due to Nicolas Jackson’s involvement in the AFCON with Senegal, Chelsea is lacking in attacking options, therefore Nkunku’s most recent injury may be a problem.
However, the three days off will help the players recover and reenergize for the upcoming challenging games. While defeating Middlesbrough to go to the Carabao Cup final is a first, the team should also aim to qualify for Europe the following week.
For their next outing, Chelsea will take on Middlesborough in the return leg of the Carabao Cup before taking on Aston Villa in the FA Cup three days after. The Blues’ next Premier League involvement will come on the 31st of January when they take on Liverpool.
