Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku is yet to get his debut for the club after injury has hampered his opening few months
Chelsea have started to plan for the return of Christopher Nkunku from injury so the star can finally make his debut and an impact on the campaign. The Blues had planned to sign the Frenchman for a long time, eventually confirming earlier this year that he would join in the summer window.
The former PSG youth product impressed in his time with RB Leipzig, offering plenty to the Bundesliga outfit in the forward ranks. His versatility allowed for him to play on either flank if required as well as in the number ten role or as a striker himself, possessing pace, finishing and a creative streak.
Despite injury issues last season, Nkunku ended the season as top scorer in the division with 16 goals, underlining his impact when available. At the age of 26, the French international is nearing his peak and could add the quality required to help the youngsters around him in the squad.
Unfortunately, that would be put on the backburner at the start of the season as injury issues reared its ugly head once more at the end of pre-season. A meniscus injury in his knee forced surgery to fix the problem, coming off the back of a draw with Borussia Dortmund.
That has kept Nkunku out for months, with a return to action slated for after the November international break, with a few huge games to come. A possible return was only rumoured further when the 26-year-old himself went on social media to post a cryptic message.
However those hopes may have to be put on hold for a few weeks long as, according to the Mirror, Chelsea won’t rush his return to action as to avoid another injury concern. The Blues could wait as long as December before handing him a competitive debut, such is their caution.
Injury issues have been a problem at the start of Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure, with near enough a full team’s worth of players out of action at one point. There have been some returns in recent weeks, which has coincided with a return to form and a slight climb up the table.
There’s still a long way to go before they can land those aspirations of a European place this season, but Nkunku could play a huge role in the final part of the campaign.