As Chelsea gears up for their local rivals Fulham, one notable absence from training has raised eyebrows among Blues fans. Christopher Nkunku who arrived at Stamford Bridge with high expectations, has been conspicuously missing from the club’s recent training sessions.
Despite a promising preseason tour that sparked optimism about him, it has been a challenging debut season with Chelsea.
His limited minutes on the pitch showcased glimpses of his talent, notably marked by a debut goal against Wolves on Christmas Eve in a 2-1 defeat.
However, Nkunku has struggled to maintain consistency and adapt to the pace of the Premier League.
Nkunku: debut season not for the memories
Recent appearances have suggested that the 22-year-old may not be fully match-fit, and reports have emerged that he found himself back on the treatment table, casting doubt on his readiness for involvement.
Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea’s manager, expressed uncertainty about Nkunku’s future. The midfielder has now missed the last two games without being involved in any capacity.
The absence of Nkunku from training sessions, observed through the club app, adds to the growing concerns about his contribution.
Since his £52 million move to Chelsea, Nkunku has spent more time on the sidelines than on the pitch, forcing the Blues to seek alternative solutions to address their attacking challenges.
Furthermore, with Nkunku’s continued absence, the spotlight is likely to fall on Cole Palmer for the upcoming clash against Fulham.
Palmer, who recently faced criticism for missing chances against Middlesbrough, will be crucial in bouncing back from his challenging outing.
Despite the setback, Palmer’s overall quality throughout the season suggests that his previous performance was an anomaly.
As Chelsea navigates the complexities of the January transfer window, finding solutions to their attacking woes becomes paramount.
The absence of Nkunku only amplifies the urgency for effective reinforcements.
Chelsea fans will anxiously await updates on Nkunku’s situation and hope for a swift resolution as the team aims to maintain its competitive edge in the Premier League.
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