Christopher Nkunku and Malo Gusto will be fit to face Liverpool in major injury boost for Chelsea… and Mauricio Pochettino could also welcome back Nicolas Jackson after Senegal’s AFCON exit
- Chelsea will play Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday evening
- Christopher Nkunku has missed the Blues’ last five games due to a hip problem
- ‘It’s a hospital pass from a job’: It all starts‘s verdict on Gerrard, De Zerbi, Alonso and the other contenders to become Jurgen Klopp’s successor
Christopher Nkunku and Malo Gusto return to Chelsea’s squad for the trip to Liverpool on Wednesday and they could also welcome Nicolas Jackson if he is able to return soon after Senegal’s exit to AFCON.
Striker Nkunku has missed Chelsea’s last five games with a hip injury and Gusto the last two with a muscle problem.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino said: “I think it is good news that Malo Gusto and Christopher Nkunku can be in the squad and travel with us.
“It’s good news and we’ll wait until the last minute to see if there are any surprises.”
One of those could be Jackson, who came off the bench on Monday to defend AFCON champions Senegal’s last-16 defeat on penalties against hosts Ivory Coast.
Chelsea could welcome Christopher Nkunku back for the trip to Anfield on Wednesday
Malo Gusto also returns to the squad for the match against Liverpool
Pochettino said: (We are) waiting to see if maybe Nico Jackson can also arrive for the match tomorrow.’
Defender Levi Colwill will miss the trip to Anfield as he struggles to overcome an injury that forced him out of Friday night’s FA Cup tie against Aston Villa after picking up the injury in the warm-up.
The match will be a dress rehearsal for the Carabao Cup final next month, but also Jurgen Klopp’s first competitive match since his shock announcement that he will leave at the end of the season.
Nicolas Jackson could also be available against Liverpool following Senegal’s exit from the AFCON
Pochettino added: ‘It will be a celebration for Liverpool fans to try and give him everything he deserves.
“They will be very motivated to play and it will be tough, but it will also be tough because they are a very good team.
“We don’t want to be involved or part of the celebration. We think about us, perform well and try to win the game.”