Christopher Nkunku Chelsea return date revealed as Mauricio Pochettino handed huge injury boost

Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has been handed a significant boost in the return of Christopher Nkunku. The forward is yet to make his competitive debut for the Blues after his summer move from RB Leipzig following his £52million move from RB Leipzig.

Nkunku, 25, sustained a knee injury in the west Londoners' 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund in pre-season back in August. The forward has since undergone an operation and has continued his rehabilitation at Cobham.

"[Nkunku] is doing really well, working hard, I think he's really close," Mauricio Pochettino explained last month. «As soon as possible we can have him involved again.

“After the next internationals maybe he could be involved. He’s a player that when you see the goals he scored last season, he provides goals, and I think we’re missing goals. That’s why we think he’s a player that can be important for us.

“He’s proved he can score goals in the Bundesliga. If today we had eight or 10 goals from Nkunku, maybe the situation [in the league] would be completely different.

“It’s goals that we are missing to be in a different position. It’s unlucky but we can’t complain, we need to work. We’re looking forward to recovering him and helping the team be in a different position.”

Chelsea news and transfers LIVE – Christopher Nkunku return set, Victor Osimhen doubt, Toney price

Chelsea departure confirmed as swap deal considered and Romelu Lukaku 'cries

Following Sunday's Premier League clash with Manchester City on Sunday, the third international break will take place before Chelsea return to action against Newcastle United. League games against Brighton & Hove Albion, Manchester United, Everton and Sheffield United follow into the festive period.

Fortunately, Chelsea may