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Mauricio Pochettino said Chelsea could have Christopher Nkunku available as early as the week after the November international break as the summer signing\u2019s recovery from a knee injury is progressing quicker than expected.<\/p>\n
The 25-year-old, who was injured in a friendly against Borussia Dortmund during the club\u2019s pre-season tour of the United States, had been expected to be out until at least December but that timescale has now been brought forward, raising the possibility he could make a long-awaited competitive debut when the team face Newcastle at St James\u2019s Park on November 25.<\/p>\n
The loss of Nkunku weeks after completing a \u00a352m move from RB Leipzig was a significant blow to Pochettino\u2019s preparations for the new campaign, particularly as he had been a standout performer during the two weeks in the US.<\/p>\n
And his absence was keenly felt once the Premier League season began as Chelsea scored just five times in their first six league matches, a run that saw them fail to score a single goal during September.<\/p>\n
That record has improved markedly during the last three games during which the team has more than doubled its goal return, but the possible early return for the France international – who was last season\u2019s joint top scorer in the Bundesliga with 16 goals – would represent a boost for Pochettino as he faces a torrid upcoming run of fixtures.<\/p>\n
After Saturday lunchtime\u2019s meeting with Brentford at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea face consecutive league matches against Tottenham, Manchester City, Newcastle, Brighton and Manchester United.<\/p>\n
\u201c(Nkunku) is doing really well, working hard, I think he\u2019s really close,\u201d said Pochettino. \u201cAs soon as possible we can have him involved again.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter the next internationals maybe he could be involved.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a player that when you see the goals he scored last season, (you see) he provides goals, and I think we\u2019re missing goals. That\u2019s why we think he\u2019s a player that can be important for us.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s proved he can score goals in the Bundesliga. If today we had eight or 10 goals from Nkunku, maybe the situation (in the league) would be completely different.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s goals that we are missing to be in a different position. It\u2019s unlucky but we can\u2019t complain, we need to work. We\u2019re looking forward to recovering him and helping the team be in a different position.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pochettino previously said that he could be tempted to look at options in the transfer market if form in front of goal did not improve by January, but acknowledged a run of eight goals in three league games coupled with Nkunku\u2019s progress could lessen the urgency.<\/p>\n
\u201cFootball is really dynamic,\u201d he said. \u201cToday maybe we are thinking in a different way to three weeks ago, but we\u2019re ready and working with the sporting directors to be ready in the transfer window, if we need to add players in an offensive position.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Premier League confirmed on Thursday that Chelsea will take part in the competition\u2019s first Christmas Eve fixture since 1995 with their visit to Wolves moved from December 23 to accommodate TV coverage.<\/p>\n
The decision has drawn significant backlash from supporters, but it is particularly resonant for the Pochettino household as the previous day marks his and his wife\u2019s 31st anniversary – which the manager will now spend travelling to Wolverhampton.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur fans are not happy? Me neither. The 23rd is my anniversary with my wife and now I need to travel to Wolves.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe I am not going to convince her to come.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 24th (of December) for Argentine people is a really important night, and I hope to arrive (home) in time to celebrate after. But if our fans are not happy, I am not happy also.<\/p>\n
\u201c(The decision) is not easy to change, but we need to accept we are in England and it\u2019s different to the rest of the world. I need to adapt myself. But even if I\u2019m not happy, I need to do my best to be at my best level and accept it\u2019s a situation we cannot change.\u201d<\/p>\n