Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that Christopher Nkunku is ahead of schedule in his recovery from knee surgery and may make his competitive debut for Chelsea in November.
Nkunku, 25, underwent surgery in August after damaging his left knee in Chelsea’s final pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund in Chicago.
Chelsea had initially expected the France forward, who joined the west London club this summer from RB Leipzig, to be out until at least December.
“He is doing really, really well,” Pochettino said, speaking before Saturday’s Premier League game against Brentford. “He is working really hard. I think he is really close. I hope as soon as possible we can have him involved again. He is an important player for us.
“He is a player that can provide goals and I think we are missing goals. That is why always we think he’s a player that can be important for us. He proved he can score goals in a league like the Bundesliga, and we have a different offensive player.
Advertisement
“Maybe after the next international [break] he will be involved. Maybe, maybe, it’s not sure.”
Chelsea face Newcastle United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United immediately after the international break in November. Nkunku was always expected to be back in time for Christmas when Chelsea are controversially due to play Wolverhampton Wanderers away on December 24 in the first top-flight Christmas Eve game in 28 years.
Pochettino joined Chelsea’s fans in expressing anger at the Premier League’s decision, particularly as it means he must cancel wedding anniversary plans with his wife Karina. He also explained that Argentinians tend to celebrate more on Christmas Eve than Christmas Day.
Pochettino and Karina will have been married for 31 years on December 23, when Chelsea are likely to be travelling to Wolverhampton ahead of the 1pm game at Molineux.
“Our fans are not happy? Me either,” Pochettino said. “I’m not happy also because the 23rd is my anniversary and I need to travel to Wolves, and I am not going to spend the night of the 23rd in my house, and then the 24th for Argentine people is a really important night and I hope to arrive in time to celebrate.
Advertisement
“I believe I am not going to convince [my wife] to come [to Wolverhampton], I don’t believe.”
Pochettino said Karina had already made plans for their anniversary. “I didn’t prepare anything but my wife was — all gone!” he said. “Of course [I am making new plans] for sure. But I don’t know what. I am on Google for some ideas to compensate . . . not happy wife?”
The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust called for the Premier League to reverse its decision, citing a limited transport schedule during the holiday season. They, along with Wolves’ 1877 Trust, have asked for an urgent meeting with the Premier League.
“It is totally unacceptable that Wolves v Chelsea has been scheduled for Christmas Eve,” the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust said in a statement. “Since rumours began to circulate on this issue, the trust has been clear that selecting this kick-off time will place another hurdle in the way of many match-going supporters. Not only could this lead to staffing issues at Molineux, but holiday transport timetables will further inconvenience supporters.”
“That is why I am not happy because I think we play and we work and everything we are doing is for our fans,” Pochettino said. “Because without fans football is nothing. We need to protect and care and look after our fans. They are not happy because it is common sense. I can accept that.
Advertisement
“It is difficult because I think it is not easy to change. We need to accept, we are in England and it is different to the rest of the world, but I need to adapt myself and even if I am not happy I need to do my best to be at our best level and to accept that is a situation we cannot change.
“I don’t know the things that are in behind. I don’t know why. No one explained. Like, I asked before if it was confirmed because we were also thinking, ‘Yes? No? An idea? True or not true?’ I cannot answer because I hope that it is one time and never again, but we’ll see what happens.”
Chelsea v Brentford
Premier League, 12.30pm kick-off
Stamford Bridge
TV TNT Sports
