Mauricio Pochettino has given a fresh update on his summer signings’ fitness, following a lengthy absence.
After some promising form for Pochettino’s team, a 4-1 loss to Newcastle last weekend wasn’t in the script, and the Blues will be hoping that Christopher Nkunku will be available to help them fire back on Sunday, against Brighton.
Chelsea injury news
Christopher Nkunku
Many thought the Frenchman may have returned to action by now, as the recent international break was cited as a return date for some time.
Nkunku completed a £52 million move to Chelsea in the summer and was on fire in pre-season, netting three times in five matches.
However an injury suffered against Borussia Dortmund has left the forward on the sidelines ever since.
It is now thought that the 26-year-old could feature this weekend, as he was spotted in training today, but Pochettino has stated that Nkunku will still “need to be assessed tomorrow.”
🚨🔵 Christopher Nkunku has chances to be part of Chelsea squad vs Brighton and make his official debut.
“We need to assess tomorrow and then decide”, Mauricio Pochettino says. pic.twitter.com/hCA58JjF3Z
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 1, 2023
Romeo Lavia
Another one of Chelsea’s summer signings yet to make their debut, Romeo Lavia is also edging closer to a return.
The 19-year-old joined from Southampton in the summer, for a deal that could reach £60 million, amid strong interest from fellow Premier League giants Liverpool.
Lavia has been nursing an ankle issue since he arrived at Stamford Bridge and last month the Belgian was dealt a major setback on his road to recovery, which has further stunted the start of his Chelsea career.
Pochettino has described Lavia’s comeback as “close”, but not as close as Nkunku’s.
Malo Gusto
Gusto withdrew from the France u-21 squad during the recent international break, due to a knee injury.
The full-back was spotted in first team training for the Blues this week, but has been ruled out from the squad to face Brighton.
Trevoh Chalobah and Carney Chukwuemeka
The duo were both absent ahead of Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal in October, and haven’t featured since.
Chalobah has been spotted back at Cobham after being kept out with a thigh injury, whereas Chukwuemeka has struggled with a knee issue since the Blues 3-1 loss to West Ham earlier in the campaign.
The following injury update has been provided on Trevoh Chalobah and Carney Chukwuemeka. ⤵️
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 18, 2023
Ben Chilwell
Chilwell suffered a knock towards the end of Chelsea’s clash with Brighton in the Carabao Cup at the end of September.
Not much was thought at first, but the injury was revealed to be much more serious and the left-back has been out ever since.
This month should finally see Chilwell return to the setup, in a welcome addition to Pochettino’s squad.
Wesley Fofana
The French centre-back was spotted on the training pitches at Cobham last week, a very positive sign for the 22-year-old, following his pre-season ACL injury.
Although things look promising, a return date is still unclear. In his pre-match press conference, Pochettino spoke on the situation: “Yes it was nice to see.
“For him it was a massive motivation to be there and for us also.”
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