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Christopher Nkunku is IN Chelsea's squad for Saturday's clash against Sheffield United, confirms Mauricio Pochettino - with the £52m summer signing finally ready to make his debut after pre-season knee injury

11 months ago 52
  • Christopher Nkunku joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig for £52m in the summer
  • He picked up a knee injury in the Blues' final pre-season game and is yet to play 
  • Manchester United fans must be DREADING Anfield trip - It's All Kicking Off 

By Will Pickworth For Mailonline

Published: 13:51 GMT, 15 December 2023 | Updated: 13:51 GMT, 15 December 2023

Mauricio Pochettino has revealed Christopher Nkunku will be in Chelsea's squad against Sheffield United this weekend.

Pochettino's side have been ravaged with injuries so far this season which included Nkunku - who arrived from RB Leipzig for £52m in the summer - suffering a knee issue in their final pre-season game against Borussia Dortmund in August.

They have consistently endured problems, with the Argentine also confirming on Friday that Reece James, Marc Cucurella and Robert Sanchez were set for spells on the sidelines after picking up injuries during last Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Everton


The Blues have struggled to score goals this season and there has been plenty of anticipation for when Nkunku will return to the side.

And, speaking ahead of Saturday's clash with the Blades at Stamford Bridge, Pochettino confirmed the Frenchman could make his long-awaited debut.

Mauricio Pochettino revealed Christopher Nkunku will be in the squad against Sheffield United

Nkunku impressed in pre-season before suffering a knee injury against Borussia Dortmund

'He (Nkunku) can be involved in the squad,' Pochettino said. 'That is very good news.

'To be involved tomorrow and be in the squad and to feel the competition with the Premier League and team-mates, it's very good news for us. 

'We need to be calm and quiet so not to put all the pressure on him. 

'(But) It's a big motivation for us, the team-mates and the fans to see a player that should be important for us being back in the squad... or in the squad for the first time.'

After initially starting his career with PSG, Nkunku made his name with RB Leipzig, where he scored 70 times in 172 games.

Pochettino insisted Nkunku's return was 'very good news' for Chelsea's fans and players

Nkunku dazzled with RB Leipzig in Germany before joining the Blues for £52m in the summer

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His stunning form saw him named Footballer of the Year in Germany in 2022 and Bundesliga Player of the Season in 2021-22, while he also won the Golden Boot last season after netting 16 times. 

The French international had dazzled in pre-season for the Blues before picking up the aforementioned knee injury which required surgery.

However, after a four-month absence, the 26-year-old is finally ready to make his debut.

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