Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino shared the news earlier today that Christopher Nkunku has suffered another new injury.
It becomes the latest issue for Christopher Nkunku, 26, during a very frustrating debut campaign at Stamford Bridge.
We think the solution for Blues manager Mauricio Pochettino is staring him right in the face.
In our view, it’s now time to turn to Deivid Washington and give him some more senior minutes.
Speaking via Football.London in today’s press conference, Pochettino confirmed that Nkunku will be out injured for three or four weeks after suffering a new problem. Incidentally, Pochettino isn’t actually sure how the injury occurred.
His absence for the next set of games does leave quite a void in attack, especially as Armando Broja was loaned out to Fulham in January.
Chelsea can’t rely on Nicolas Jackson to play 90 minutes every game at striker, so we’d love to see Washington get an opportunity.
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Deivid Washington deserves chance for Chelsea
Washington, who’s just 18, is a Chelsea youngster we feel needs to come into Pochettino’s immediate plans.
The Brazilian forward has frequently been part of the Blues first-team squad on a matchday this season, albeit that’s been the case a bit less in 2024.
Remarkably, he’s only made two senior appearances this campaign for Chelsea. It feels to us like a big missed opportunity!
When you factor in Chelsea paid £17m (Sky Sports) to sign Washington from Santos last summer, it’s odd he’s not had much of a look-in.
Now he’s impressing in Chelsea’s youth side, plus there’s an obvious attacking hole in the squad, Washington should be recalled back into the main group. We want to see meaningful cameo appearances off the bench, too. For example, it could be a perfect opportunity to look at him at some stage of Wednesday night’s FA Cup fifth round tie versus Leeds United.
There was a reminder from Liverpool at the weekend what fearless youngsters can achieve.
Washington looks raw and perhaps still a bit lightweight, but he’s technically cute and needs more chances.
