Chelsea's manager, Mauricio Pochettino, has confirmed that Christopher Nkunku will be part of the squad for their upcoming match against Sheffield United on Saturday, December 16, 2023.
Despite joining Chelsea for £52 million from RB Leipzig during the summer of 2023, Nkunku is yet to make a competitive appearance for the Blues, having sustained a left knee injury in a pre-season friendly in Chicago.
After undergoing surgery in August, he hasn't had the chance to make an appearance in the Premier League for his new team.
The Paris Saint Germain academy graduate has been closely monitored by the Chelsea medical team.
Nkunku has been training separately from the group and now he has been given the medical green light to join up with his teammates.
Mauricio Pochettino expressed his satisfaction in having Nkunku slowly integrate into English football, mentioning that his inclusion in the squad is a positive sign for the team, his teammates, and the supporters.
However, he emphasized the need to avoid exerting undue pressure on the player.
He further added: "It's a big motivation for us, for his team-mates, and the fans to see a player that should be important for us being in the squad for the first time.
"It's very good news for us and it's time to be calm and quiet because we don't want to put the pressure on him."
Having showcased his talent by scoring 16 goals in 25 games in the German Bundesliga last season and representing his country in ten matches, Nkunku's injury occurred during a challenge with Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels.
Before his setback, he had notably impressed during Chelsea's pre-season tour of the United States, netting three goals in five games.
Additionally, Pochettino disclosed in his Friday press conference that Spain's goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez, will be sidelined until late December due to a knee injury.
Consequently, this presents an opportunity for Djordje Petrovic, a Serbian international signed in the summer from New England Revolution, to step into Sanchez's position.
Expressing his confidence in Petrovic and all his players, Pochettino emphasized that Petrovic was brought to Chelsea due to his potential and the team's belief in his ability to perform as per their expectations.
Pochettino said: "Of course [I have faith in him], I have faith in all my players. He arrived to Chelsea because he has potential.
“Now after four or five months working with us is the moment for him to step up and feel good because we have the trust in him.
“Now is to make the debut in Stamford Bridge, yes we trust that he can perform in the way we want."
Chelsea's recent form has been challenging, having suffered consecutive Premier League defeats to Manchester United and Everton.
Currently positioned 12th in the table, they share 19 points with Brentford, Wolves, and Bournemouth.
Despite the recent setbacks, Chelsea Manager has said his side will bounce back and he urged the supporters not to give up on his young Chelsea side.
The Argentine added: “We will succeed for sure. You will see, you might see I am crazy, but we will not give up.”
If Pochettino's words are anything to go by then the ex-PSG boss needs to start putting in some convincing performance that would bring a smile back to the faces of the Stamford Bridge faithful and what better club to start building such a morale booster than against relegation battlers Sheffield United.
Despite joining Chelsea for £52 million from RB Leipzig during the summer of 2023, Nkunku is yet to make a competitive appearance for the Blues, having sustained a left knee injury in a pre-season friendly in Chicago.
After undergoing surgery in August, he hasn't had the chance to make an appearance in the Premier League for his new team.
The Paris Saint Germain academy graduate has been closely monitored by the Chelsea medical team.
Nkunku has been training separately from the group and now he has been given the medical green light to join up with his teammates.
Mauricio Pochettino expressed his satisfaction in having Nkunku slowly integrate into English football, mentioning that his inclusion in the squad is a positive sign for the team, his teammates, and the supporters.
However, he emphasized the need to avoid exerting undue pressure on the player.
He further added: "It's a big motivation for us, for his team-mates, and the fans to see a player that should be important for us being in the squad for the first time.
"It's very good news for us and it's time to be calm and quiet because we don't want to put the pressure on him."
Having showcased his talent by scoring 16 goals in 25 games in the German Bundesliga last season and representing his country in ten matches, Nkunku's injury occurred during a challenge with Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels.
Before his setback, he had notably impressed during Chelsea's pre-season tour of the United States, netting three goals in five games.
Additionally, Pochettino disclosed in his Friday press conference that Spain's goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez, will be sidelined until late December due to a knee injury.
Consequently, this presents an opportunity for Djordje Petrovic, a Serbian international signed in the summer from New England Revolution, to step into Sanchez's position.
Expressing his confidence in Petrovic and all his players, Pochettino emphasized that Petrovic was brought to Chelsea due to his potential and the team's belief in his ability to perform as per their expectations.
Pochettino said: "Of course [I have faith in him], I have faith in all my players. He arrived to Chelsea because he has potential.
“Now after four or five months working with us is the moment for him to step up and feel good because we have the trust in him.
“Now is to make the debut in Stamford Bridge, yes we trust that he can perform in the way we want."
Chelsea's recent form has been challenging, having suffered consecutive Premier League defeats to Manchester United and Everton.
Currently positioned 12th in the table, they share 19 points with Brentford, Wolves, and Bournemouth.
Despite the recent setbacks, Chelsea Manager has said his side will bounce back and he urged the supporters not to give up on his young Chelsea side.
The Argentine added: “We will succeed for sure. You will see, you might see I am crazy, but we will not give up.”
If Pochettino's words are anything to go by then the ex-PSG boss needs to start putting in some convincing performance that would bring a smile back to the faces of the Stamford Bridge faithful and what better club to start building such a morale booster than against relegation battlers Sheffield United.