Mauricio Pochettino is eager for Christopher Nkunku to make a triumphant return from injury, with hopes that his comeback can spark a goal-scoring spree at Stamford Bridge.
A recent statistical analysis has highlighted Mauricio Pochettino’s potential to elevate Chelsea into a contender for the Premier League title. However, there is one significant factor to consider – the absence of Christopher Nkunku. The 25-year-old forward, who was acquired by Chelsea from RB Leipzig for approximately £52 million in the summer, suffered a substantial knee injury during a pre-season match against Borussia Dortmund in the United States.
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Although Nkunku has made progress in his rehabilitation recently, he is still some way from making his competitive debut for the club. In the past month, the French international has shared numerous images of his fitness regimen, which include workouts in the gym, sessions in the swimming pool, and various medical assessments.
Remarkably, Nkunku has taken a significant step forward in his recovery journey. For the first time since the summer, he was observed on the training pitches at Cobham wearing Chelsea’s training gear, hinting at a potentially swifter return.
While Mauricio Pochettino may need to exercise patience for a few more weeks before reintroducing Nkunku, the anticipation is that the Frenchman’s return will unleash an offensive resurgence. According to Sky Sports, Chelsea has emerged victorious in nine out of ten Premier League matches based on expected goals (xG) this season. Only Manchester City, bolstered by the likes of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez, have matched the Blues’ impressive record. Brighton and Newcastle United share second place with eight xG victories, while Arsenal and Tottenham are tied for third place with seven wins out of 10.
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If Nkunku can make a significant impact in front of the goal upon his return, it could potentially propel Chelsea up the Premier League standings. Interestingly, the Blues encountered difficulties in scoring goals against Blackburn Rovers in the recent Carabao Cup fixture. Pochettino emphasized the importance of building the players’ confidence, recognizing the need for enhanced clinical finishing. He acknowledged the positive aspects of the match, highlighting the significance of players like Benoit Badiashile and Reece James getting playing time. Pochettino likened the situation to a “pre-season game” due to the number of positive developments. Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of preparing for the next two games before the international break.
