Chelsea set to welcome key player back for Carabao Cup game

For their quarter-final tie against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup, Chelsea could debut one of their star summer signings.

Christopher Nkunku is expected to make his debut for Chelsea against Newcastle, according to the Evening Standard.

Nkunku, who joined Chelsea for €60 million last summer, may make an appearance off the bench in the Carabao Cup quarter-final tie. This would mark his first competitive game for the Blues. He did play for the club during the pre-season, but suffered a knee injury while on tour in the United States.

As a result, Nkunku has spent the first half of his debut campaign sidelined at Stamford Bridge. Cole Palmer, a fellow summer recruit, has led the Blues attack in the Frenchman’s absence. His performances have been impressive, with six goals and five assists in 16 matches.

Now, Mauricio Pochettino faces a delightful dilemma up front, as the manager looks to put Nkunku in an attack led by Palmer and Raheem Sterling.

The 26-year-old made the bench in last weekend’s 2-0 win over Sheffield United in the Premier League, but didn’t play.

Six other players could still be missing for Chelsea though in Robert Sanchez, Marc Cucurella, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Recce James, and Noni Madueke.