Mauricio Pochettino unsure if Christopher Nkunku will play again this season for Chelsea

Mauricio Pochettino remains uncertain about Christopher Nkunku’s return to training and potential participation for Chelsea before the season concludes. Despite the £52 million signing’s talent, his debut season at Stamford Bridge has been marred by injuries, beginning with a knee injury during pre-season that kept him out for the first four months.

Since then, Nkunku has faced ongoing setbacks, with his latest injury occurring during a substitute appearance in Chelsea’s Carabao Cup final defeat to Liverpool. Despite initially anticipating a three to four-week recovery period, Nkunku’s absence from training has stretched to six and a half weeks, leaving Pochettino in the dark about his return.

When questioned about Nkunku’s prospects for the remainder of the season, Pochettino admitted uncertainty, highlighting the challenges of managing injuries effectively. He refuted suggestions of setbacks in Nkunku’s recovery, clarifying that the extended absence was unforeseen.

Pochettino’s concerns extend beyond Nkunku’s individual situation, acknowledging the broader impact of injuries on the squad throughout the season. The unpredictability of recovery timelines adds another layer of complexity to managing player fitness, posing challenges for both the coaching staff and the team as a whole.

As Chelsea navigates the final stretch of the season, the uncertainty surrounding Nkunku’s availability underscores the importance of depth and resilience within the squad. While hopes remain for his return, the priority lies in ensuring his full recovery and readiness to contribute effectively when called upon.