Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino’s exclusion of Christopher Nkunku from Saturday’s matchday squad hints that his recent hip injury might not be as severe as initially feared.
Despite scoring on his Wolves debut and featuring against Crystal Palace and Luton Town in recent games, Nkunku was absent from Chelsea’s 4-0 win over Preston North End. Pochettino suggested that an issue arose during practice, explaining that getting Nkunku match fit has been challenging since the season’s beginning.
Regarding Nkunku, Pochettino mentioned difficulties in communication about his status and preferred not to pressure the player. The manager elaborated that Nkunku experienced a hip problem after a training session, requiring assessment for future games, making it challenging for players who need game time to perform consistently.
The history of Chelsea’s injuries this season heightened fans’ concerns. Despite initial reports indicating a possible three-week absence, journalist Fabrice Hawkins clarified that Nkunku’s omission from the squad was precautionary. Santi Aouna further affirmed Nkunku’s likely inclusion in Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures, highlighting Pochettino’s cautious approach to prevent worsening the hip discomfort.
In conclusion, it’s probable that Nkunku will be available for Chelsea’s next matches against Middlesbrough and Fulham, barring any unexpected setbacks. Pochettino has suggested gradually reintegrating Nkunku into the team to ensure he’s fully prepared for consistent game time.
