Chelsea sweat over Nkunku return as €60m man faces race against time to play again this season

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has cast doubt on whether Christopher Nkunku will feature again for the club this season due to his prolonged injury recovery.

The 26-year-old French forward was signed last summer from RB Leipzig for a hefty €60 million fee but has endured a frustrating campaign plagued by injuries. 

Nkunku has been sidelined for over a month with a new issue and Pochettino is unsure of his return timeline.

“At the moment, we don’t know,” Pochettino admitted (via CFC’s website). “His recovery is taking longer than expected. He played in the League Cup final with a problem we discovered after the game.”

Nkunku’s struggles this season highlight Chelsea’s wider injury woes, with several players suffering short and long-term problems. 

“Too many players have suffered injuries,” lamented Pochettino. “We hope he can be involved again quickly. It would be really good if he can join the team before the end of the season.”

The Frenchman’s last appearance came as a substitute in the League Cup final loss to Liverpool in February. 

A pre-season knee injury requiring surgery sidelined him for the first four months, while a hip problem kept him out in January. He has managed only ten appearances for the Blues (mostly off the bench) despite being billed as the club’s marquee signing.

It is not all doom and gloom for the West Londoners as there’s positive news on the defensive front.

Trevoh Chalobah and Malo Gusto have returned to training after missing the Burnley draw, but vice-captain Ben Chilwell remains doubtful for the upcoming Manchester United clash due to illness.

“Trevoh and Malo will train with us,” confirmed Pochettino. “I think they’ll be ready for the squad. Chilly, no. Rob Sanchez is training, though. We’ll see if he makes the squad.”

Chelsea fans will be hoping Nkunku can overcome his injury woes and contribute in the crucial season finale.