Mauricio Pochettino shares update on Christopher Nkunku’s return date to Chelsea side
Christopher Nkunku out of Chelsea vs. Tottenham
Christopher Nkunku won’t feature for Chelsea as Mauricio Pochettino’s side take on Tottenham Hotspur in the London derby on Thursday, May 2. The Frenchman joined the club in the summer and has since had an injury-plagued campaign. He has made only 10 appearances this term, scoring two goals.
Nkunku has suffered from multiple injury issues and is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury. While the former RB Leipzig star is back in Chelsea training, Pochettino has confirmed that he won’t be in the team to play Tottenham in the Premier League London derby. Nkunku, though, could be available for the game against West Ham United on the weekend. Pochettino said (via GOAL):
- “They [Nkunku and Levi Colwill] were training. Today, normally, we prepare the game for tomorrow. We did some set-pieces, tactical work, and meetings. They are nearly there. They are on the line, but they don’t cross the line. We hope they will cross the line for West Ham on Sunday. We hope. But still, we need to wait until tomorrow, Friday and Saturday to see if they can cope with the competition. What it means on the website is that they are close and they are nearly capable.”
Chelsea have struggled in the attack this season as Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson hasn’t been able to prove himself as a reliable outlet for regular goals. Nkunku’s arrival after a promising Bundesliga spell was good news for the fans. However, he has barely played in his first season at the club.
Thiago Silva might already have played his last game for Chelsea
Brazilian veteran defender Thiago Silva recently announced that he will leave Chelsea at the end of the season. Silva, however, has suffered from a groin injury that could keep him out for the rest of the season, meaning that the player might already have played his final game for the Blues.
Pochettino made an example of the Brazilian to explain the kind of progression the Blues have gone through over the course of the past 10 months. He said (via GOAL):
“I think the good thing after 10 months here is we are part of the process and the leaders of the process to help the players. Today, because I think it is not only us, it is too many clubs who are in this situation. It is true that over the years it is more difficult to find these type of players, like Thiago. We are talking about a 39-year-old. It is not easy to find this profile of player. I think it is about the way we can help as a coaching staff. We are helping, and for sure, they are going to be better and more mature next season.”
Chelsea are aiming to finish the season in a strong manner. They are currently ninth in the league with 48 points from 33 matches. A repeat of their 4-1 win against Spurs earlier in the season could certainly help the Blues’ cause.
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