Chelsea: Christopher Nkunku nears injury return as Mauricio Pochettino sends warning to Cole Palmer

Chelsea’s manager, Mauricio Pochettino, gave an update on Christopher Nkunku’s injury. He mentioned that Nkunku, who got hurt in his hamstring, is getting closer to returning to play. Pochettino also shared that Enzo Fernandez, Raheem Sterling, and Axel Disasi are now fit to play against Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday.

However, Nkunku, who Chelsea signed last summer for a hefty £53 million from RB Leipzig, has been dealing with injuries since joining the team. He’s only been able to start twice in the league due to these injuries.

Pochettino talked about Nkunku’s progress, saying they’re taking it day by day. Nkunku has been participating in some parts of the team’s training sessions recently, but they’re still assessing how his body reacts and how he progresses. The hope is to have him back before the season ends.

In Nkunku’s absence, Cole Palmer has stepped up as Chelsea’s main goalscorer, scoring 20 goals in the Premier League and 25 in all competitions. Pochettino praised Palmer’s performance and mentioned how he has to adjust to the increased pressure and attention that comes with being the top scorer.

He emphasized that Palmer needs to manage not only the demands of playing in the Premier League but also the increased demands in his personal life. As the top scorer, Palmer faces more scrutiny and has to focus on things like preparation, rest, and managing his energy levels differently.

Pochettino highlighted the importance of the coaching staff in guiding Palmer through this transition from a young player to a prominent star. They understand the challenges he faces and are prepared to support him through it. He acknowledged that it’s a significant change for Palmer and that it’s natural for people to question his performance or notice when he’s tired because his life has changed significantly.