After returning at the beginning of February, the former Parisian must once again return to the infirmary.
“We heard yesterday (Monday) that Nkunku was injured.
We don’t know when he got injured,” said the Argentinian at a press conference, on the eve of hosting Leeds United in the round of 16 of the FA Cup.
Asked about the duration of unavailability, Pochettino mentioned “three or four weeks”.
“We hope it won’t be more,” he added.
The 26-year-old striker came on as a substitute during the second half of the League Cup final lost to Liverpool on Sunday.
He played less than an hour of play. Star recruit last summer, the former Leipzig striker was only able to make his official debut with Chelsea in December following a serious knee injury in pre-season.
A hip problem then caused him to miss several games in January.
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“It’s difficult for him.
He was in great shape during pre-season until he injured his knee,” Pochettino rewound.
“We have in mind the best Nkunku that everyone has known in Germany, but he is not the same player.”
With Chelsea, Nkunku has only appeared in ten matches in all competitions this season.
The player will therefore more than likely be unavailable for the next meetings of the French football team, on March 23 and 26 against Germany and Chile.
🚨🔵 Pochettino on Nkunku injury: “At the moment, three-four weeks out for Chris.
I hope.
I hope no more…”.
“It's difficult for Chris as he was flying in pre-season before he got the knee injury.
We need to see and evaluate”.
pic.twitter.com/IjIIGZRyKi
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 27, 2024
The “Blues” occupy eleventh place in the English league and have missed, with the League Cup, one of the last chances to compete in a European competition next season.
“We are all tired, it’s not easy to get over it when you lose a final.
But the players are all focused and looking forward.
They reacted well,” assured Pochettino to the press.
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The former coach of Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain, in particular, ensures that he maintains the support of shareholders, starting with that of American co-owner Todd Boehly.
“After the game, Todd sent me a really nice message,” he reported.
“We have a very good relationship with the owners,” he insisted.