Absent From The FA Cup, It Turns Out That Christopher Nkunku Is Injured Again

JAKARTA - Christopher Nkunku has actually returned to appear with Chelsea after recovering from a knee injury on December 15, 2023. He has been absent since August 4, 2023.

Nkunku appeared in four Chelsea matches in all competitions after recovering. In fact, he had contributed one goal when Chelsea lost to Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-2.

However, the French player's body had problems again ahead of Chelsea appearing in the FA Cup against Preston Notrh End, Sunday, January 7, 2024.

Chelsea confirmed Nkunku had his problem in his hips so he had to miss the third round of the 2023/2024 FA Cup. Even so, Blue was able to win four goals without reply in that match through goals from Armando Broja, Thiago Silva, Raheem Sterling, and Enzo Fernandez.

Nkunku has a chance that he cannot be forced to appear because he could suffer a big loss if he competes this January.

"He wasn't involved because he had problems with his hips after training. We need to see if he can be ready for the next few games," said Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea Manager, at ESPN.

This condition is quite a headache for Pochettino. The 26-year-old forward appeared absent throughout January 2024.

The problem is, Chelsea are faced with an important agenda against Middlesbrough in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinals on Tuesday (9/1/2024) before playing West London Derby against Fulham on Saturday (13/1/2024).

They then face Middlesbrough at Stamford Bridge on January 23, 2024. At the weekend, Chelsea will have to play the FA Cup fourth round match. The last match in January was also tough when Blue had to travel to Liverpool on January 31, 2024.

Pochettino is certainly hot. Apart from losing Nkunku, he will also not be strengthened by 11 first-team stars, including Wesley Fofana and Reece James, plus Nicolas Jackson.

Meanwhile, Christopher Nkunku has had a difficult time since moving to Chelsea from RB Leipzig at the start of this season.

The player, who was redeemed for 52 million, immediately suffered a severe knee injury in pre-season, requiring surgery and keeping him out until December 2023.

It postponed his debut until he finally played in the Carabao Cup when Chelsea won against Newcastle. At that time, Nkunkun was off the bench for the last 21 minutes.

Then, he appeared in three Chelsea matches in the 2023/2024 Premier League.

However, the injuries that came again made Nkunku suffer a setback in his career. In fact, he was brought in to increase the strength of the bang for the Blue.

While appearing at RB Leipzig, he has scored 58 goals over the past two seasons.