Christopher Nkunku: Date set for Chelsea star's return after injury scare

• Christopher Nkunku sustained a hip injury during a training session
• The injury saw him ruled out of Chelsea's FA Cup clash vs Preston
• Nkunku has scored three goals since he joined the Blues in the summer

Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku is reportedly expected to be back in action in the coming days after another injury scare.

The Frenchman missed Saturday's FA Cup clash against Preston North End, with the Blues securing a 4-0 win to progress to the next round.

According to Mauricio Pochettino, the forward was ruled out of the tie after he suffered a hip injury in training.

It is believed that the former RB Leipzig star felt discomfort in his hip during a training session ahead of their meeting with Preston North End.

"Nkunku, we don’t want to put pressure on him. We know it is difficult after a long time injured," Pochettino said after the win against Preston.

Chelsea 2:2 Arsenal: Blues Fans Blame Robert Sanchez After Letting Two Goal Lead Slip

Football

When w ill Nkunku be back?

Metro UK claim that Nkunku is expected to be available for selection next week and could feature in the Blues' Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Middlesbrough on Tuesday night.

It is understood that the former Bundesliga ace could be rested until Saturday, January 20, against Fulham should the Middlesbrough tie come too soon.

Nkunku's latest injury comes just days after he returned from a long injury layooff that kept him on the sidelines for several weeks.

The 26-year-old has endured an injury-hit first season at Stamford Bridge, having missed the first foit months of the 2023/24 season.

According to Sky Sports, the France international officially joined Chelsea in the summer of 2023, with the Premier League giants forking out £52m to land his services.

Nkunku has scored three goals for the west Londoners so far, with one of those coming in the Premier League.