The 26-year-old French national has faced a challenging season marked by recurring injuries following his €60 million (£52.7m, $58.8m) transfer from RB Leipzig last summer. Pochettino disclosed that despite initial hopes for a swift recovery, Nkunku’s healing process has been prolonged, raising uncertainty about his participation for the remainder of the season.
Addressing reporters, Pochettino stated: “His return date remains uncertain. Presently, he is not engaged in team training sessions. We are unaware of any setbacks. His rehabilitation is taking longer than anticipated, particularly since the League Cup final. He played in the final with an undisclosed issue which was only discovered afterward.
“There are different circumstances that affect things. It is not only him. Too many players have suffered injuries this season. We hope that he can be involved again quickly. As soon as possible. It will be really good if he can join the team again before the end of the season. We hope that will happen.”
The forward’s injury woes commenced with a knee injury during a pre-season game last summer, leading to surgery and a four-month absence from play. Despite a brief comeback, he subsequently endured a hip injury, further hampering his game time, resulting in just 10 appearances across competitions. His last match was in the Carabao Cup final loss to Liverpool on February 25, and he has since been sidelined.
Pochettino’s apprehensions extend beyond Nkunku, with Chelsea grappling with numerous injuries to key players. Defenders Trevor Chalobah and Malo Gusto, absent from Chelsea’s recent match against Burnley due to injuries, are set to resume training, fortifying the squad for their upcoming encounter with Manchester United.
“Trevor (Chalobah) and Malo (Gusto) will train with us. I think they will be ready to be in the squad (against Manchester United on Thursday),” Pochettino stated.
However, the fitness of Ben Chilwell remains uncertain due to illness, raising doubts about his availability for the crucial fixture.
“Chilly (Chilwell) no,” he informed. “We haven’t seen him since Friday. The doctor and medical staff removed a lot of fluid from his knee after he returned from the national team. Saturday he got ill and he has been at home since recovering. Rob Sanchez is training. We will see if he is in the squad.” Pochettino confirmed.
As Chelsea contends with escalating injury woes amid a congested fixture list, Pochettino maintains optimism for a resurgence in form. Nonetheless, Chelsea faces a stern test from Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United as they visit Stamford Bridge on Thursday evening.
Christopher Nkunku
Christopher Nkunku
This season he played in total 7 times for 317 minutes for Premier League.
Christopher Nkunku scored 2 goals for Chelsea. He procured no assists. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 12th in Premier League. In the last match Chelsea drew 2-2 against Burnley.
Chelsea performance and stats
Chelsea is currently 12th in the Premier League with 40 points.
In the last 28 games, it has won 11 times, drawn 7 times, and lost 10 times. In its last match, Chelsea drawn 2-2 against Burnley.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 49 goals and conceding 47.
Chelsea will play the next match in Premier League against Manchester United on Thursday 4th of April in London. The prediction is Chelsea winning the match.