Chelsea have two new faces and £53m reason for Pochettino to change fortune
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino may finally have a full-strength squad to choose from in the coming weeks with both Romeo Lavia and Christopher Nkunku close to full fitness with both set to play a key part in helping the Blues move up the table in a crucial few weeks. Pochettino was dealt a huge blow on the eve of the season after Nkunku went down with an injury.
Lavia also arrived at Stamford Bridge with a fitness issue with both new signings yet to make their debut. Their absence since the start of the season cost Chelsea dearly as Pochettino struggled to get his side firing on all cylinders.
They suffered disappointing defeats to West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa with Chelsea slipping further away from the top four spots. They appeared to turn a corner before the international break with impressive displays against Tottenham and Manchester City.
And the two weeks off gave Pochettino a chance to work closely with those returning from their injury lay-off. Lavia and Nkunku were not ready to make their return against Newcastle yesterday, but Pochettino hinted the latter could be ready to make his debut next week.
The Frenchman could be the missing piece in Chelsea’s attacking unit as he is a proven goalscorer capable of being a match-winner on his own. The Blues have lacked that at times this season and his highly-anticipated debut will be a welcome relief to Pochettino.
The Chelsea boss has already admitted Nkunku’s minutes will be monitored, but there’s no doubt the forward will instantly make Chelsea a tougher force to be reckoned with. His return also comes at a good time for Chelsea as they face a favourable run of fixtures over the Christmas period.
Don’t miss…
Premier League’s biggest winners and biggest losers from international break[LATEST]
Chelsea may live to regret £40m transfer snub after Todd Boehly plan vetoed[LATEST]
Chelsea’s worst case scenario as FFP problems force Premier League relegation[LATEST]
- Support fearless journalism
- Read The Daily Express online, advert free
- Get super-fast page loading
Chelsea’s six matches following games against Brighton and Manchester United come against teams all in the bottom half of the Premier League table. There’s a good chance for Pochettino’s side to go on a run of form to propel them further up the table and Nkunku will be key to any success they have.
Lavia too will also be needed during the hectic festive schedule with Pochettino likely to rotate his midfield unit. Chelsea already face an uphill battle to have any chance of qualifying for next year’s Champions League.
But Nkunku’s return to full fitness will provide the boost needed at Chelsea to give themselves every chance of closing in on the likes of Manchester United, Aston Villa and Tottenham.
Source: Read Full Article