Now that the football world has had nearly two weeks to digest the madness of a 4-4 draw between Chelsea and Manchester City the Premier League is back. Things don't mess around either with Liverpool and City facing off in the opening game of the weekend and Newcastle hosting the Blues just hours later.
In a game that many would describe as being between the clubs that epitomise the league's growing commercialisation, globalisation and the ethical, moral and financial problems that come hand-in-hand with that most readily,it is currently contested by two of the most injury hit teams out there.
Eddie Howe's men could be without as many as 12 players for the meeting whilst Chelsea themselves continue to be plagued by issues. There, for example, are still five first team players yet to get any league action this season due to consistent knocks and setbacks.
The most high profile of those is Christopher Nkunkuand he is taking steps towards a competitive debut for the club but it isn't expected that he will be in the mix for the game at St James' Park. Before the international break Mauricio Pochettino revealed that the Frenchman was pushing to play but the Blues are managing him extremely careful after three damaging injuries in the past 18 months.
«We had some conversation and he said to me, 'Coach, I want to be ready for after the international break, Newcastle'.» Pochettino said of their conversation. «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.»
Nkunku has once more taken a step towards playing as his integration into the squad went further with some team training
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