Christopher Nkunku continues to nurse a knee injury which he sustained during Chelsea's final pre-season game of the summer
Christopher Nkunku will be desperate to make up for lost time upon his return from injury later this season. The 25-year-old forward, who joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in the summer for around £52million, was dealt a blow to his knee during the Blues' final pre-season clash against Borussia Dortmund.
He has now stepped up his rehabilitation, but it's believed that Nkunku still some way off from making his return. The west Londoners have certainly suffered in his absence and Mauricio Pochettino will be eager to get him back into the starting lineup as soon as possible.
While many players need time to fully integrate themselves into a new club, Chelsea have a several players who can help the France international find his feet. So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at who Nkunku will love playing with upon his return from the treatment room.
Nicolas Jackson
In pre-season, Nkunku and Jackson began to establish an exciting relationship on the pitch. With the former in the starting lineup, the latter was given the freedom to keep defenders guessing, playing on the shoulder, dropping deep or even drifting out wide.
But, without Nkunku this season, Jackson has often had to make sacrifices to his game knowing that the Frenchman isn't playing off him. Carney Chukwuemeka played a similar role to the former RB Leipzig star before he picked up a knock - as did Cole Palmer against Brighton in the Carabao Cup third round.
With Nkunku back in the side, Jackson will blossom. But, more importantly, the former Villarreal striker's movement and interplay will help him seamlessly reintegrate himself.
Carney Chukwuemeka
As briefly aforementioned, Chukwuemeka was utilised in the Nkunku role before his picked up an injury against West Ham. However, in pre-season the pair coexisted in the Chelsea starting lineup - a tactic which opens the door to formation variations.
Chukwuemeka was trusted with the attacking midfielder role while Nkunku led the line. If Pochettino were to refer back to then the Frenchman could score a hatful upon his return.
Mykhailo Mudryk
Mudryk has proven in recent weeks that he has the tools to become a key player for Chelsea. With Nkunku in the side, the 22-year-old winger will have a field day, running in behind opposition backlines.
And, if the long ball or one-two isn't on then Mudryk's movement will just simply create space for the Frenchman to operate in.
Moises Caicedo
The three players we've mentioned so far are all players who will combine with Nkunku in the final-third - not necessarily Caicedo. Nkunku with love playing for Chelsea knowing that he has the former Brighton midfielder protecting the backline, ready to break up play if he loses possession.
For instance, just take a look at Raheem Sterling's goal against Burnley before the international break. Caicedo made two crucial tackles in the middle of the park to dispossess Burnley before feeding Conor Gallagher who then slotted the England international in behind. Teamwork makes the dream work...
Comments