Christopher Nkunku set to make Chelsea debut early November

• Christopher Nkunku joined Chelsea last summer from RB Leipzig 
• The forward was impressive in the summer friendlies but is yet to make his official competitive debut
• The France international picked an injury in the summer and has been out ever since

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has expressed optimism about the potential return of Christopher Nkunku, suggesting that the French player’s recovery from a knee injury is progressing at a faster pace than initially anticipated. The 25-year-old sustained the injury during a pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund in the United States, prompting concerns about a significant period on the sidelines. However, the revised timeline now suggests that Nkunku could be back in action as early as the week following the November international break.

Nkunku’s absence following his £52 million transfer from RB Leipzig dealt a considerable blow to Pochettino’s plans for the season, particularly considering the player’s standout performances during the team’s pre-season tour. This setback was notably felt during the early stages of the Premier League campaign, as Chelsea struggled to find the back of the net, registering only five goals in their first six league matches and failing to score throughout the entirety of September.

Christopher Nkunku is yet to make his official debut for Chelsea due to an injury but is set to return next month. | PHOTO: Chelsea FC |

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While the team’s goal-scoring fortunes have improved in recent matches, the potential return of Nkunku, who was the joint top scorer in the Bundesliga last season with 16 goals, would undoubtedly provide a significant boost for Pochettino, especially given the challenging series of upcoming fixtures. Chelsea’s packed schedule includes matches against strong opponents such as Tottenham, Manchester City, Newcastle, Brighton, and Manchester United following their encounter with Brentford at Stamford Bridge.

Pochettino emphasized Nkunku’s prowess in front of goal, highlighting the impact his goals could have had on Chelsea’s current league position. The manager acknowledged the team’s deficiency in converting chances and expressed his eagerness to integrate Nkunku back into the squad, underscoring the importance of the player’s goal-scoring ability in reshaping Chelsea’s performance.

Addressing the possibility of seeking reinforcements in the transfer market, Pochettino admitted that the recent goal surge, coupled with Nkunku’s progress, might alter the club’s stance on pursuing new offensive options in the upcoming January transfer window. He emphasized the dynamic nature of football and the need for continuous adaptation to the evolving circumstances of the game.

Furthermore, Pochettino shared his discontent regarding the Premier League’s decision to schedule a fixture for Christmas Eve, disrupting his personal plans as it falls on his 31st wedding anniversary. Despite the inconvenience, he acknowledged the necessity of adapting to the unique dynamics of English football and expressed his commitment to maintaining his best performance amidst the challenges posed by the fixture schedule. He emphasized the need to accept the situation and strive for the best possible outcomes despite personal reservations.