Chelsea will not rush the return of Christopher Nkunku to action with the forward not expected to feature against Manchester City this weekend.
Nkunku is yet to make his debut for Chelsea after suffering a knee injury during the club’s final pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund last summer, but the Frenchman is closing in on a return to action.
The 25-year-old was pictured in training with Chelsea last week, but the west Londoners are keen to take a patient approach with the £52m summer signing.
Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Chelsea will be cautious with Nkunku’s return and the forward is not expected to feature when Manchester City visit Stamford Bridge this weekend.
Chelsea will be keen to have Nkunku back as soon as possible, with the former RB Leipzig star having scored 58 goals across the last two seasons for the Bundesliga side.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side have struggled for goals for much of the campaign, though fellow recruit Nicolas Jackson scored a second-half hat-trick as the Blues beat nine-man Tottenham in the Premier League last weekend.
Nkunku impressed during Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the United States, forming an encouraging understanding with Jackson, and will target a debut for the Blues after November’s international break.
Chelsea travel to face Newcastle at St James’ Park on November 25, after the pause for international fixtures.
