Chelsea attacking midfielder Christopher Nkunku is closing in on a return to first-team action, according to the Evening Standard reporter Nizaar Kinsella.
Speaking on the London is Blue podcast, the journalist said the France international could make his comeback relatively soon after successfully recovering from a knee injury:
“I think they can bring him back quite quickly in this particular case. He’s in great shape, done his recovery really well. I think he naturally trains brilliantly anyway and he’s got a great body for recovering from injuries.”
Supporters on X are excited that Nkunku is nearing his first appearance for the Blues, but some want to err on the side of caution to prevent any setbacks:
Things we want to hear
— Akinola (@iamtobiade) November 21, 2023
Let’s tread carefully…
— Samson Babajide Fayoyiwa (@Emperorpapillo) November 21, 2023
Just bring him in
— Alex Xander (@CFCXander10) November 21, 2023
Nkunku to be back soon. No need to rush him against Newscastle match.
— Omobolaji (@Beejaysport) November 21, 2023
Nkunku 🐐
My boy is back— jay🇻🇦🔂 (@Sizeless12) November 21, 2023
Take your time king, come back and shine
— Obimgbo (@O_biora) November 21, 2023
10 mins cameo give me
— 𝓔𝓻𝓶𝓮𝓬𝓪🪼 (@ermeca_) November 21, 2023
No rushing please, we have waited long enough to risk these few weeks.
— Chelsea FC (parody) (@RobbykipB) November 21, 2023
Nkunku has not taken part in full training yet
It should be pointed out that the 26-year-old is still not training with the rest of his teammates and, with only a few days to go before the Newcastle game, it seems unlikely that he will feature on Saturday.
A place on the bench cannot be ruled out but it is more likely that fans will get to see Nkunku make a substitute appearance against either Brighton or Manchester United.
Could any other injured Chelsea players return this weekend?
The London club have already confirmed that Levi Colwill and Malo Gusto are back available after minor injury problems.
Romeo Lavia may have to wait a little bit longer to make his Blues debut, with the Belgian said to be in the same boat as Nkunku in terms of the Newcastle fixture coming slightly too soon.
