- Chelsea will be hoping to bounce back from Newcastle's thrashing against Brighton
- Nkunku and Lavia will have their fitness assessed ahead of Sunday's match
- Big Ange has lost three in a row, but there's a good chance he'll change his style: It all starts
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has described Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia as 'close' to a return from injury – and they could make their debuts against Brighton on Sunday.
Nkunku, a £52m signing, is yet to make his competitive Chelsea appearance after suffering a serious knee injury during pre-season which required surgery.
Fellow summer signing Lavia, bought from Southampton for £53million, is also yet to play after suffering an ankle problem.
Both players have returned to training and Pochettino did not rule out an involvement at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
'We have to judge it tomorrow [Saturday] and then decide. They are close, but we have to make a decision tomorrow,” Pochettino said.
Mauricio Pochettino has said Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia are 'close' to matching their fitness
£52m summer arrival Nkunku suffered a serious knee injury during the pre-season tour
Lavia, pictured with Pochettino, is yet to feature for the Blues after an ankle problem
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“Maybe Lavia is the most difficult, but we have to assess Nkunku before tomorrow.”
Pochettino's side went down 4-1 at Newcastle United last weekend and the Argentine said a lot of thinking went into the days that followed.
'We need to clarify things, realize what happened. I think it was a tough week for everyone,” he admitted.
'I'm very happy because [the players] responded very well. I was harder on them inside [the changing room] and outside.
'We have to blame ourselves too. Maybe our approach was wrong and we take responsibility. We took the week to realize things we need to improve, to be more consistent and mature.
'I'm very happy so far. It was really tough during the practices and meetings, but sometimes situations like this help us to get better.”
Asked whether he has retained the support of Chelsea owner Todd Boehly and the club's hierarchy despite being 12 points clear of the top four, he replied: “Yes, of course, that's the reality that it's a process is.
“We are realistic with the situation and I think the first to support this is the owner.”