Chelsea face Manchester United on Wednesday evening, but Mauricio Pochettino says Christopher Nkunku will miss the trip to Old Trafford. The 26-year-old has been recovering from a knee injury since pre-season but isn’t ready for competitive action.
Pochettino said at Chelsea’s media conference: “(Tonight) is still too soon. We hope (Nkunku will be available) soon. It’s about assessing injured players day by day.” Nkunku returned to training in November, but Pochettino isn’t risking a setback by re-introducing him to the fold too quickly.
Nkunku won’t be rushed
The French international hasn’t made an appearance for Chelsea since joining from RB Leipzig over the summer. He injured his knee during a pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund and has been managed carefully ever since.
A return is certainly close, with Nkunku teasing news on his Instagram account, but Chelsea are being patient. Alex Goldberg of The Byline allayed fears of an injury setback and Pochettino’s words seem to confirm it’s just precaution.
The Blues manager added: “Sometimes, we become excited when we see players on the pitch. We want to have them as soon as possible, but we need to be careful. When he is ready he will be with the squad.”
Nkunku made 172 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig, scoring 70 goals with 56 assists. The Frenchman had a hand in 32 goals from 36 games last season, so Chelsea must be excited to get him back.
Chelsea’s remaining fixtures of 2023
- 6/12/23 (Premier League): Man Utd v Chelsea
- 10/12/23 (Premier League): Everton v Chelsea
- 16/12/23 (Premier League): Chelsea v Sheff Utd
- 19/12/23 (EFL Cup): Chelsea v Newcastle
- 24/12/23 (Premier League): Wolves v Chelsea
- 27/12/23 (Premier League): Chelsea v Crystal Palace
- 30/12/23 (Premier League): Luton v Chelsea
Nkunku was expected to feature in November, so he should play some games before the year ends. Chelsea might choose a match with a lower intensity to bring him off the bench, so it won’t be United.
