Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that Christopher Nkunku will finally be joining the squad for the first time this season when the Blues take on Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge. This is exciting news for Chelsea fans who have been eagerly awaiting the debut of the talented midfielder since his arrival from RB Leipzig in July.
Unfortunately, Nkunku’s start with Chelsea was delayed due to a knee injury that he sustained during pre-season. However, after undergoing surgery and a period of rehabilitation, he is now ready to make his mark on the Premier League. Pochettino expressed his delight at Nkunku’s return, stating, “To be involved on Saturday and be in the squad and to feel the competition after the pre-season is good news for us. We need to be calm and quiet so as not to put too much pressure on him. Now, he’s going to evolve and get to know the Premier League.”
Chelsea has faced numerous injury setbacks this season, and the situation worsened during their recent 2-0 defeat to Everton. Reece James, who had already missed several league games due to a hamstring issue earlier in the season, picked up a similar injury during the Everton match and had to be substituted after just 27 minutes. Pochettino expressed his sympathy for James, who was eager to make a successful comeback, saying, “He’s a little bit down because he was very excited to come back. We tried to build his confidence and ensure full recovery, but it’s difficult for him to accept and he’s feeling very frustrated.”
In addition to James, defender Marc Cucurella and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez also suffered injuries during the Everton game, leading to opportunities for other players to step up. Djordje Petrovic, the replacement goalkeeper who signed for Chelsea from the New England Revolution in August, made his first appearance for the club after coming on in the final minutes of the Everton match. Pochettino expressed his confidence in Petrovic, stating, “Of course, I have faith in all of my players. He arrived at Chelsea because we believed he had great potential. Now, after working with us for several months, it’s his moment to step up and show what he can do.”
The Chelsea squad has faced numerous challenges this season due to their injury setbacks, but Pochettino remains hopeful and determined. He compared the situation to facing problems when building a house, stating, “That’s what happens in football when you’re involved in a project to build something. We need to build a structure and it takes time. I have no doubt that in the end, we will succeed.”
As Chelsea prepares to face Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge, they will be without the services of Marc Cucurella, Reece James, and Robert Sanchez due to their respective injuries. Cucurella is set to meet with foot and ankle specialists to determine the next steps in his recovery, while Sanchez has undergone assessments on his knee. Unfortunately, James sustained a significant hamstring injury during the first half of the Everton game.
Despite the challenges faced by Chelsea in recent matches, they still have the opportunity to turn things around and climb up the Premier League standings. With the return of Christopher Nkunku and the trust placed in players like Djordje Petrovic, Chelsea’s squad has the potential to overcome their setbacks and achieve success on the pitch. The upcoming match against Sheffield United will serve as a test of their resilience and determination.
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