Nkunku returns to action for Chelsea against Sheffield United

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino confirmed in his press conference this afternoon that Christopher Nkunku is in the squad to face Sheffield United this weekend.

The 26-year-old attacking midfielder was Chelsea’s marquee summer signing but hasn’t featured in a competitive game after suffering an injury against Borussia Dortmund in pre-season.

Nkunku has been working towards recovery and could make his debut against the Blades tomorrow.

Chelsea will hope the Frenchman’s return will boost for the team after consecutive defeats against Manchester United and Everton.

The Blues are closer to the bottom of the league table than the summit, sitting in 12th place with only 19 points.

Chelsea have struggled for goals, but the return of Nkunku could help relieve the pressure on Armando Broja and Nicolas Jackson.

Nkunku finished as the top scorer in the Bundesliga last season with 16 goals. He notched 20 goals and created 16 big chances the previous season, showing he is not only a scorer but an adept creator.

The former Paris Saint-Germain starlet will be eager to put his injury woes behind him and step up for his side amid their struggle.

If Nkunku lives up to his billing, Chelsea may not need to dip back into the market for a striker in January.

However, all this responsibility may be too much pressure on a player just returning from a long-term injury.

A cameo against United should help him settle nicely as he looks to kick on from there.

United will be hoping that their new manager bounce, following the dismissal of Paul Heckingbottom and Chris Wilder’s return, helps them defeat the fallen London giants.

The Blades will back themselves after putting Brentford to the sword last week. They could claim another major scalp this weekend against a Chelsea side notoriously poor on home soil.