Nkunku returns

 

Chelsea boosted by return of 'difference-maker'

The wait is almost over for the Blues' £52million summer signing, who looks ready to make up for lost time.

After Christopher Nkunku returned to first-team training this week, the £52million summer signing is closing in on a long-awaited competitive debut for Chelsea.

Nkunku has missed the first three months of the season with a knee injury, but is said to have looked sharp in training. Mauricio Pochettino is due to provide an update on Friday afternoon on whether the forward will be in his squad for the Blues’ trip to Newcastle on Saturday.

Nkunku is unlikely to be thrown straight in with a start at St James’ Park, but Pochettino knows he could be a difference-maker from the bench as he is eased back to full fitness.

His absence has been keenly felt by Chelsea, who have missed his goals. There was a collective sharp intake of breath in pre-season when Nkunku went down under challenge from Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels on a dreadful pitch in Chicago, which had hosted an Ed Sheeran concert a few days before.

Scans revealed that he needed surgery on a torn meniscus in his left knee and his injury was a major blow on the eve of the new season. Before his injury, Nkunku had looked ready-made to become a Stamford Bridge star.

The 26-year-old France international impressed during pre-season, scoring three goals in five appearances playing on the wing, up front and as a No10.

Nkunku is Back 

Unlike an inexperienced Jackson, Nkunku is unlikely to be fazed by the pressure at Chelsea, having made nearly 300 top-fight appearances at Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig.