£52m Chelsea player now likely to be on the bench against Newcastle on Saturday

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Reports have claimed that Chelsea attacker Christopher Nkunku is likely to be on the bench if he is to be involved at the weekend.

According to the Evening Standard, the Blues have yet to decide as to whether the Frenchman will be involved in any capacity as the Premier League returns.

Nkunku is yet to be seen this season after picking up an injury in the final stages of the pre-season campaign following his £52m move.

His absence has been a big miss for the Blues, with it obvious Mauricio Pochettino was looking to build his attack around the 26-year-old.

Instead, goals at time have been difficult to come by. However, this has threatened to change in recent weeks.

Nicolas Jackson scored four goals in the club’s last two games, and this has been part of eight strikes against Tottenham and Manchester City.

Nkunku likely for bench vs Newcastle

Nevertheless, the boost of the return of the Frenchman even to training has been great for the fanbase, who are excited to finally see the marquee attacking addition of the summer get involved.

While he has personally been really keen to make his debut against Newcastle at the weekend, it looks likely that he won’t be starting that game.

With the fixtures about to come thick and fast though as the festive season approaches, having him back fit and firing will be a tremendous boost to the Blues in their bid to climb the table.

It remains to be seen if he starts in a striker role, or occupies a position off the forward that has so far been held by Cole Palmer.

The England international’s excellent form though suggests he won’t be leaving the starting XI anytime soon, and in fact the duo could work together to form a super partnership.