It is not May yet, but Chelsea’s campaign is practically over, or at least their Premier League one.
It is not impossible that Chelsea qualify for the Europa League. Despite being 12th in the table, the Blues are still only eight points behind sixth with two games in hand.
They can also enter the competition by winning the FA Cup, a competition they remain in, so their season overall is not completely dead.
However, given their inconsistency and the amount of teams above them in the league, Mauricio Pochettino‘s men are just not going to qualify for the Europa League via the traditional route.
With that in mind, then, there is little need to risk someone who could be such a key player for them next season.
Chelsea’s injury hell
Chelsea have had so many injury problems. Perhaps at times the Blues have rushed some of their stars back too quickly, with the likes of Reece James and Christopher Nkunku having recurring problems.
According to journalist Simon Phillips, goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has actually been using pain injections instead of sitting out.
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Romeo Lavia seems to have been managed more carefully, with the midfielder making just one appearance this season.
However, he is still sidelined and will miss what is left of the campaign.
As this season reaches its climax, Pochettino could be tempted to throw Nkunku into the side when the forward is fit again, especially if the Blues are not far from the Europa League spots. The Argentine needs wins, but risking Nkunku’s fitness at this point does not seem worth it.
When should Christopher Nkunku return?
If it is going to help him in the long run, Pochettino should consider using Nkunku sparingly or not at all should the 26-year-old make a recovery before the campaign wraps up.
Let Nkunku build up his fitness, have a good pre-season and then unleash the France international next term when more should be at stake for Chelsea.
Nkunku, who joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in a £52m deal, can be a real asset for the Blues. He scored 23 goals in his final year in Germany.
They just need the former Paris Saint-Germain man to stay fit, which means no unnecessary risks between now and May.
