Since the 26-year-old French international’s arrival this summer, fans of the Blues have been waiting impatiently for him to play after he was sidelined with a knee ιnjury.
There has been a lot of curiosity about whether Nkunku, who can play as a second striker, winger, or attacking midfielder, can repeat his success in England after his four years in Germany.
In 172 games played, the Frenchman scored 70 goals and had 56 assists; he was named the Bundesliga’s best scorer in 2022 and 2023; he also helped RB Leipzig win the DFB-Pokal title in back-to-back years.
Fans of the Blues are even more interested in Nkunku as a possible оffensive upgrade after Chelsea’s goal-scoring wоes this season, which have left them below Brighton and West Ham and four of their five big six rivals.
Nkunku, a former RB Leipzig star, was called to Chelsea’s matchday squad for the first time by head coach Mauricio Pochettino on Saturday. However, he did not start in the 2-0 Premier League victory over Sheffield United.
On Tuesday, though, Nkunku made his Chelsea debut in a 21-minute substitute role for Nicolas Jackson in the team’s Carabao Cup quarterfinal victory over Newcastle United.
Nkunku came in for Chelsea with a 1-0 deficit; Mykhailo Mudryk equalized in stoppage time; then after a penalty shootout, he converted the penalty to send Chelsea to the semifinals, despite the fact that he did not score from open play.
The nicest way to greet you all for the first time at the Bridge was what Nkunku wrote on Instagram on Wednesday, the day after he made his debut, according to his social media posts.
Your kind greetings are much appreciated [blue heart emoji]. Excited about what’s to come.
Mudryk, Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Marc Cucurella, Romeo Lavia, and Ian Maatsen were among his teammates who wrote encouraging remarks in the comments.
James, captain of the Chelsea football team, also shared the news of Nkunku’s debut on Instagram, writing: BIG WIN!! Big bro, it’s great to have you back! @c_nkunku.
When Chelsea go to Wolves in the Premier League on Christmas Eve (December 24), Nkunku will be aiming to get more playing time.
