Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has offered a positive update on the fitness of Christopher Nkunku ahead of their Premier League clash with Brentford on Saturday.
The French forward is yet to make his competitive debut for the Blues since signing from RB Leipzig in the summer due to a knee injury he suffered during pre-season. It was believed Nkunku could be out until the new year but he could be back in action as early as next month.
“He’s [Nkunku] doing well and working really hard,” Pochettino said in a pre-match press conference. “He’s very close. Hopefully, we can have him involved as soon as possible.
“He is a really important player for us. Maybe [he’ll be back] after the international break. Maybe, but not sure.”
Meanwhile, Recce James has only featured twice this season because of a hamstring injury and came off the bench in the previous game against Arsenal, featuring in the final six minutes. Pochettino however stated the England fullback is not yet fit for a place in the starting XI.
“He is still not ready to start. He’s doing well, training well; he’s really close but he’ll be on the bench,” explained the Argentine tactician.
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After a three-game winless streak, Chelsea are unbeaten in their last three league matches (W2 D1) and currently occupy 10th place on the standings, eight points away from the top four.
