Mauricio Pochettino given major injury news boost as Chelsea star begins special rehab plan

Mauricio Pochettino has been informed when Carney Chukwuemeka could finally make his return for Chelsea. The 19-year-old midfielder suffered an injury after equalising for the Blues against West Ham at the London Stadium last month.

Just moments after a collision with Emerson Palmieri, Chukwuemeka fell to the ground holding his left knee and he quickly received medical attention. The England Under-20 international was helped off the pitch by several members of staff, and he was later spotted leaving the venue on crutches.

football.london understands that Chukwuemeka is expected to be out for six-weeks, pointing towards a return in early October when Chelsea lock horns with Fulham and Burnley. And, according to the Evening Standard, he seems to have been put on a specialised rehabilitation plan.

Chukwuemeka started each of the Blues' first two Premier League games, and he's expected to continue playing a major role in the starting lineup upon his return. Interestingly, without him in the side, the west Londoners have struggled – particularly Nicolas Jackson, who's had to drop much deeper to bridge the gap between midfield and attack.

Last month, Chukwuemeka revealed his personal targets for the campaign, his role and what it's been like working with Pochettino. He said: «For me personally it's just to break into the starting team this season.

»Set myself a target to contribute more to goals and assists this season as well and just to help the team win games and hopefully win trophies. The main aim is to break into the starting XI."

Upon his return from the sidelines, Chukwuemeka will face tough competition from Cole Palmer for a place in the lineup. However, upon the 21-year-old's arrival from Manchester City, Pochettino