Chelsea hatch Nkunku comeback plan after private Newcastle vow to Pochettino

18 November 2023 , 20:30

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Christopher Nkunku is nearing a comeback in a timely boost for Chelsea (Image: Getty Images)

Chelsea won't rush Christopher Nkunku's long-awaited return to action despite his burning desire to feature against Newcastle. The French attacker, who was forced to undergo knee surgery after sustaining a meniscus injury in the 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund in Chicago during pre-season, is now close to sealing his comeback.

Nkunku is back out on the grass at Cobham and wants to prove his fitness in time for next Saturday's trip to St James' Park when club football returns after the international break. However, Chelsea's medical staff want to make sure they manage his fitness delicately and correctly as Nkunku is still yet to play a competitive game for the Blues since sealing his £52million transfer from RB Leipzig.

It's understood the Blues could wait until December to free Nkunku from his shackles with Mauricio Pochettino's side due to face Brighton, Manchester United and Everton in the space of a week.

Pochettino said of his forward ahead of the crazy 4-4 draw with Manchester City : "We had some conversation and he [Nkunku] said to me, 'Coach, I want to be ready for after international break, Newcastle'. I asked him yesterday and he said 'hmmm', and I said 'you are liar'. 'No, no I am ready'.

Pochettino is looking forward to Nkunku's return (Getty Images)

"It is close and he is doing really well. We are so happy with him, the way he is recovering, he is very professional. Romeo Lavia is also close. They trained today on the pitch. Hope that next week will be involved with the team and see after. Day by day see when it is possible to play with the team."

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Much like Nkunku, midfield signing Romeo Lavia is also due to return to full fitness in the coming weeks after damaging ankle ligaments in early October. The former Southampton anchorman has had a frustrating start to life in west London after rejecting a switch to Liverpool.

Levi Colwill has also been working with Chelsea's medical staff during the break as he seeks to shake off a shoulder problem that forced him to withdraw from the England squad. Colwill reported for international duty at St George's Park on Monday but was swiftly sent back to the capital due to the issue which saw him miss the draw with City.

Gareth Southgate also revealed that Conor Gallagher sustained a knock against the Premier League champions but he played the opening 45 minutes of England's Euro 2024 qualifier against Malta on Friday at Wembley.

Ryan Taylor