When Chelsea star is set to make injury return as Pochettino confirms Man City absence

Christopher Nkunku will not be ready to face Manchester City, but Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed when he could make his return from injury.

The Chelsea forward has been absent since pre-season following a knee injury sustained against Borussia Dortmund in the United States.

Nkunku‘s recovery has been successful and the 25-year-old was pictured in training with his Chelsea teammates at their Cobham training ground earlier this week.

Working towards a return. 👊 pic.twitter.com/cFPnJ6C860

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 10, 2023

Pochettino has ensured Nkunku will not be rushed back amidst all of their other injury problems that they have encountered so far this season.

The Chelsea head coach confirmed the France international would not be available against Manchester City on Sunday afternoon at Stamford Bridge, however the return is in sight.

Nkunku’s recovery been labelled as ‘very professional’ as Pochettino revealed the conversation of when the forward hopes to be back.

“We had some conversation and he said to me, ‘Coach, I want to be ready for after international break, Newcastle’. I asked him yesterday and he said ‘hmmm’, and I said ‘you are liar’. ‘No, no I am ready’.

“It is close and he is doing really well. We are so happy with him, the way he is recovering, he is very professional.”

Once Chelsea face Manchester City, the international break will commence. Pochettino’s side will return at the end of November with a trip to Newcastle, before hosting Brighton & Hove Albion and then heading back up north to Old Trafford for a clash against Manchester United.