Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino confirms fresh injury setback for Christopher Nkunku (1 Viewer)

[David 999]

Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku has faced another setback in his return to the first-team action at Chelsea. The French attacker was notably absent from Chelsea's FA Cup third-round match against Preston North End, a game the Blues convincingly won 4-0.

Nkunku had recently overcome a serious knee injury that had kept him sidelined for the latter part of 2023. Despite Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino's efforts to shield Nkunku from the risk of further injury, it seems the attacker has encountered a new problem.

Following the triumph over Preston, Pochettino clarified Nkunku's absence from the squad that smoothly progressed into the fourth round of the FA Cup.

"We know it is difficult after a long time injured, six months away. Now he wasn't involved because he suffered, after training, a problem in his hip and we need to see if he can be ready for the next few games." Pochettino revealed.

The Chelsea gaffer was eager to emphasise on how difficult it is to handle players suffering with injuries and how to manage their issues.

"They need to play also to get the best and we cannot provide this gametime to players that need to go and feel competition because we need to win.

"Sometimes it's really tough to explain to the players who feel the pressure to perform and to play. Sometimes it is difficult to explain but if you understand football you realize how tough it is." Pochettino stated.

Overall, Nkunku's recurring absence once again leaves Chelsea with limited options in their attacking lineup. Despite his brief return to fitness, Nkunku has only managed to start one game for the club.

In Nkunku's stead, Nicolas Jackson has often taken up the starting role as the forward for Chelsea. However, even the Senegalese forward was omitted from the lineup in the Blues' recent FA Cup match on Saturday. Instead, Armando Broja got the nod at Stamford Bridge and notched the opening goal in Chelsea's comfortable victory.

Despite Broja having only scored two goals in 24 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, he secured a second consecutive start in the cup tie against Preston.

 

[PenalDo]

Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku has faced another setback in his return to the first-team action at Chelsea. The French attacker was notably absent from Chelsea's FA Cup third-round match against Preston North End, a game the Blues convincingly won 4-0.

Nkunku had recently overcome a serious knee injury that had kept him sidelined for the latter part of 2023. Despite Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino's efforts to shield Nkunku from the risk of further injury, it seems the attacker has encountered a new problem.

Following the triumph over Preston, Pochettino clarified Nkunku's absence from the squad that smoothly progressed into the fourth round of the FA Cup.



The Chelsea gaffer was eager to emphasise on how difficult it is to handle players suffering with injuries and how to manage their issues.



Overall, Nkunku's recurring absence once again leaves Chelsea with limited options in their attacking lineup. Despite his brief return to fitness, Nkunku has only managed to start one game for the club.

In Nkunku's stead, Nicolas Jackson has often taken up the starting role as the forward for Chelsea. However, even the Senegalese forward was omitted from the lineup in the Blues' recent FA Cup match on Saturday. Instead, Armando Broja got the nod at Stamford Bridge and notched the opening goal in Chelsea's comfortable victory.

Despite Broja having only scored two goals in 24 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, he secured a second consecutive start in the cup tie against Preston.

Nkunku seems to be injury proned!