Latest: Christopher Nkunku provides Chelsea injury message with Pochettino update and return boost
Latest: Christopher Nkunku provides Chelsea injury message with Pochettino update and return boost
Chelsea attacker Christopher Nkunku has taken to Instagram to update fans of his progress in returning from injury. The 25-year-old has been out for the entirety of the season so far having picked up a poorly timed knee knock during the last game of pre-season.
After hitting the ground running for his new team during the tour of America Nkunku was ruled out for around four months on the eve of making his competitive debut. The absence of his presence going forward has left manager Mauricio Pochettino with his hands tied.
Without one of his star players available the Argentine head coach has had to rely on Enzo Fernandez and Conor Gallagher moving forward into attacking positions, not something that suits either player’s style. The issues have only been heightened with a medium-term injury to Carney Chukwuemeka.
The 19-year-old had taken Nkunku’s place in the side for the opening weeks of the season but saw himself sidelined with a knee injury as well. Although Cole Palmer has arrived from Manchester City he is yet to start a game for the Blues and has limited Premier League experience.
However, as Chelsea now enter a key period of fixtures following a tough start, Nkunku has shared an update online. Taking to social media the former Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig man wrote: “In progress..[timer emoji]” alongside a set of images.
Nkunku is seen doing a series of exercises including work in a swimming pool and with kettle bell weights in the gym. It is expected that he will be out until at least November with December a more realistic return date. It could be into 2024 before he is match fit.
He had similar injury issues last season and missed the World Cup with France over the winter but still returned to domestic action in Germany to finish as league top scorer. Chelsea will now be hoping he can do the same here as they continue to miss his spark.