Mauricio Pochettino shares which Chelsea player is close to injury return – Christopher Nkunku or Romeo Lavia

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Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia are edging closer to making their competitive debuts in Chelsea colours.

However, the Blues stars still aren’t fit enough to play in Saturday afternoon’s trip to Newcastle United in the Premier League.

Christopher Nkunku, 26, will have been frustrated watching from the stands so far this season. Many are expecting the French forward to be a massive addition to the Blues attack.

As for Romeo Lavia, he’s another in the squad yet to play a single minute this campaign due to injury. The 19-year-old midfielder showed immense potential last year at former club Southampton, though.

Journalist Simon Phillips reported via his Substack earlier this week that both Lavia and Nkunku may be available to feature versus Newcastle. Blues head coach Mauricio Pochettino isn’t ready to bring them into a matchday squad yet, though.

Injury news

Pochettino confirmed in Friday’s pre-match press conference ahead of Newcastle that Lavia and Nkunku are still unavailable.

He said via Football.London: “Lavia and Nkunku are still out.”

The extra bit of information is that Nkunku’s progress is a bit further along than Lavia.

When asked if there’s a timeframe on their returns, Pochettino added: “No, it’s difficult to say because we need to assess them day by day. They are in a good condition. Nkunku a little bit ahead of Lavia. He was doing things with the group last week, but still not a fully recovery to be part of the squad [against Newcastle].”

Let’s wait and see if either can make the Blues squad for Chelsea’s league game at home to Brighton on 3 December.

Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia big additions

We’re very excited about the aforementioned duo joining up with the side.

Chelsea may have found their shooting boots in the last month with players coming into form, but Nkunku should be able to improve the forward line with his talent.

It’s probably good news that he’s slightly ahead of Lavia, who’s got a slightly tougher job breaking into a settled Blues midfield.

Can Lavia break up a pretty strong combination of Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Conor Gallagher in the centre of the park?