Injury-plagued Christopher Nkunku could return to Chelsea training sooner than expected having been sidelined with a hip problem.
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Nkunku recovery ahead of scheduleMissed first half of season with knee problemAttacker making most of winter breakWHAT HAPPENED?
The Frenchman – who effectively missed the first half of the season thanks to a serious knee injury in pre-season – hurt his hip in training in early January and it was anticipated that he would be missing for a further 10 days. However, according to the he is already on the cusp of returning to the grass.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The £52 million ($66m) summer signing was unable to train for 10 days and is yet to feature in 2024 having missed games against Preston, Middlesbrough and Fulham, but there are positive signs in his recovery with the squad enjoying a three-day break from training during the Premier League's winter pause. The players are set to return to Cobham later this week, and Nkunku could be involved.
DID YOU KNOW?
The 26-year-old has seen just 152 minutes of action this season in between his two injuries. Despite that limited game time, he already has a goal to his name against Wolves and he also scored his spot-kick in the Carabao Cup penalty shootout triumph over Newcastle.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA & NKUNKU?
With their injury woes finally easing Chelsea are beginning to build a bit of momentum in the league, with three consecutive victories easing the pressure on manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Nkunku's early return would certainly boost them and they still have plenty of time to rest. The Blues don't return to action until the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Middlesbrough on January 23, before they host Aston Villa in the league on January 26.